Aspiring Leaders

The Aspiring Leaders at Emory Program is for university employees who have been identified as high potential and who may soon transition into a people manager role.

About this Program

This program is offered twice each year. Participants develop and enhance their skills within a cohort group of up to 25 participants representing different departments across the university.

The program is open to any full-time employee of Emory University currently serving in an individual contributor position who is considered high potential and expected to move into a position managing people within two years.  

Potential is measured by: 

  1. Motivation to lead, including bringing out the best in others
  2. Personal development interest, including receptivity to feedback
  3. Adaptability and the ability to deal with complexity and ambiguity
  4. Ability to communicate effectively
  5. Resilience in the face of obstacles and stress
  6. Future contributions to Emory

The application deadline for the next round of Aspiring Leaders is Monday, April 22, 2024, 5:00 pm.

Nomination and Selection Process

In order to participate in this program, candidates must be nominated and selected to attend. Nominations must be submitted by director-level or above departmental leaders or the department chair. Faculty members and principal investigators are eligible to participate in the program. 

A selection committee will review the nomination packets and select participants for the program based on the responses to the nomination questions, the high potential status of the nominee, and other criteria identified by Learning & Organizational Development leaders. Up to 25 applicants will be invited to participate. 

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Expectations

Attendance is mandatory for all program events, including the kick-off, all classes and seminars, and the program graduation.

Program participants will also be required to complete and present a detailed development plan.

If you are interested in applying to this program, please review the Program-at-a-Glance to see the level of commitment involved.

View Program-at-a-Glance

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to build skills in competencies that are needed to lead and manage others. Participants will also be required to complete and present a detailed development plan to be eligible for graduation.

Sessions explore 3 key themes:

  1. Transitioning into Leadership - Explore expectations of leadership at Emory and how to transition into a leadership role successfully.
  2. Self-Awareness and Communication/Interpersonal Skills - Gain a deeper understanding of one's own personal styles; and understand how to manage conflict, provide feedback, and influence and collaborate with others.
  3. Change Management - Understand change at work and how to adjust to change in a positive way.

Program Cost

The cost to the department for each participant is $900.

Contact

Neffertiti Harwell, Manager, Learning & Development