Self Leadership Program

Self Leadership Program

In Spring 2024, the Division of Talent & Inclusion launched its inaugural Self-Leadership Program, a six-week workshop series designed to provide a cohort of high-performing individual contributors (staff and faculty) at WPI the insights and tools necessary to cultivate their leadership skills. 

The program’s goal is to help attendees learn to self motivate, influence, negotiate, and solve problems through practical exercises and interactive sessions. This program prepares employees for effective collaboration and confident leadership. 

CONTACT
Location: Boynton Hall
Phone: 508-831-5470

Program Eligibility

The Self-Leadership Program is intended for WPI individual contributors (i.e., not managers) who seek to enhance their leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities. It will serve a diverse cohort from across a variety of departments, disciplines, and functions. 

Program

The program’s curriculum is interactive and will focus on key competencies needed for personal and professional growth.

The first program cohort began on March 14, 2024, and ran until April 30, 2024. 

The FY25 cohort will start in the Fall, as posted below, and will run from September 23 to October 28 from 9:30 to 1 pm. Lunch will be provided. 

Session / Topic

Fall 2025 Date

Session Time

Location

Self-Leadership

Sep 23

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Leveraging Your Strengths 

Sep 30

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Understanding Yourself and Others 

Oct 07

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Emotional Intelligence

Oct 14

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Understanding & Valuing Our Differences

Oct 21

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

The Science of Personal Well-Being

Oct 28

9:30 am to 1 pm

Higgins Library

Nomination Process

Program cohorts are established via a nomination process. Managers are encouraged to submit nominations promptly, as the program will accommodate only one cohort of 15 participants. 

Please send your nominations to learning@wpi.edu by Thursday, September 19th, including the name(s), title(s), and a brief explanation of why you believe each nominee is a strong candidate for this opportunity.

More information can be found in this announcement

Session Descriptions

Session 1: Self-Leadership (Monday, September 23)

This session is designed to empower attendees with the skills necessary for personal and professional growth. The session will delve into essential topics such as motivation, influence, persuasion, negotiation, and problem solving, providing attendees with tools to lead themselves effectively in various scenarios. Through interactive activities and practical examples, attendees will learn how to harness these skills to navigate challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities. 

Session 2: Leveraging Your Strengths (Monday, September 30)

Dive into CliftonStrengths and uncover your top 5 talent themes. Learn how they shape your best self and equip you to boost confidence, enhance performance, build stronger relationships, and achieve your goals. Through this interactive session, you will gain actionable strategies to harness your strengths and unlock your full potential in work and life. Participants will need to complete the CliftonStrengths prior to this session.

Session 3: Understanding Yourself and Others (Monday, October 07)

This session focuses on enhancing self-awareness and interpersonal relationships through an insightful exploration of personal and communication styles. The session provides attendees with a deeper understanding of their own behaviors and how to adapt to the diverse approaches of others. The interactive nature of the session encourages active participation, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Participants will need to complete the DiSC Workplace prior to this session.

Session 4: Emotional Intelligence (Monday, October 14)

Today’s workers are expected to lead by example, self-regulate their emotions, and understand the emotions of others – often under continually challenging and evolving circumstances. This session helps attendees understand the foundational pillars of emotional intelligence. Attendees will also gain greater self-awareness, understand how to manage their emotional reactions, improve interpersonal communication, and improve their decision making. Participants will need to complete the EQi-2.0 prior to this session.

Session 5: Valuing Differences  (Monday, October 21)

This session explores the potential for growth through diversity in the workplace. It focuses on enhancing intercultural competence, covering identity, cultural adaptation, and effective communication. The session focuses on improving attendees’ cultural awareness and focuses on practicing non-judgmental engagement in diverse settings, leading to a more inclusive work environment. 

Session 6: The Science of Personal Well-being  (Monday, October 28)

This session offers an insightful exploration into the factors that contribute to personal happiness and fulfillment. Attendees will dive into research and theories surrounding well-being, learning practical strategies to enhance their mental, emotional, and physical health. The session covers topics such as positive psychology, stress management, mindfulness, and the importance of healthy habits. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of techniques to improve their daily lives, fostering a greater sense of satisfaction and well-being.

Spring 2024 Cohort

Self Leadership Program - Spring '24 Cohort 1
Self Leadership Program - Spring '24 Cohort 2
Self Leadership Program - Spring '24 Cohort 3

Questions? Feedback?

For questions or more information about the program, contact Talent & Inclusion (508-831-6783), or Learning & Development (Learning@wpi.edu).