This program emanated from the IPA’s successful Women’s Leadership Development Program, which had its roots in leadership training through IPA back in 1990. The demand for programs for both men and women and for groups from a variety fo backgrounds led to the inception of this more inclusive program.
Leadership Development Program staff believe that leaders are more “made” than “born.” Current leadership research indicates that there are few genetic characteristics that influence one’s ability to become a leader. Their role in the program is not to teach one how to become a leader, but to help one learn how to become a more effective leader. From their perspective, leadership is a life-long journey. IPA’s Leadership Development Program can help you acquire the knowledge, skills, feedback, and opportunities necessary for personal growth.
There are no freeways to the future, no paved highways to unknown, unexpected destinations. There is only wilderness. To step out into the unknown, begin with the exloration of the inner territory. With that as a base, we can then discover and unleash the leader within us all.
—Kouzes & Posner, from The Leadership Challenge
Completion of any training program does not guarantee instantaneous leadership skills. Like any other process, it is a life-long endeavor that requires individual effort, coupled with the desire to change and grow, in order to make a difference.
Wanting to lead and believing you can lead are only the departure points on the path to leadership. Leadership is an art, a performing art. And, in the art of leadership, the artist’s instrument is self. Ultimately, leadership development is a process of self-development.
—Kouzes & Posner, from The Leadership Challenge
For more information, contact Myrna Bair at 302-831-3233.
