Leadership Foundations Program:

A 6 day program through which you can learn how to unleash your potential by gaining deep insights into your purpose in life, and by developing the skills required to lead effectively for the good of all.

Downloadable brochure

Downloadable application form

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What will I learn?

• Experience practical ways to increase awareness of yourself and others. Awareness is the basis of transformational leadership.
• Get to grips with a foolproof model for ethical decision making.
• Discover Personal Mastery - how to manage your thoughts and emotions.
• Have the space and support to formulate your vision for leadership in your own life.
• Learn about and practice Leadership styles – how to match your leadership style to the needs of the moment.
• Great Communication – creating real dialogue in situations of conflict and leading through speech.
• Learn through case studies of transformational leadership with contemporary and historical examples.
• Take the first steps to developing and implementing your project in your community with a hands-on workshop.
• Get a mentor to help you implement your project.

Transformational Leadership

What is leadership and why is it important? This session looks at the issue  of leadership, the qualities of a great leader, and at what the differences are between the qualities of a great leader, and those of a great human being. We also look at what we mean by “Transformational Leadership” - the ability to bring about change which uplifts and benefits humanity, through meeting its needs, and developing its capabilities.

The Human Framework

Our feelings, thoughts and actions are constantly at play, interacting and reacting to each other. Why is understanding this important in terms of leadership? What are our own individual default mechanisms? Are they always useful? How can we become aware of them and avoid them if we need to? This session looks at 4 aspects of the human being: Awareness, Feeling, Thinking, Acting, and at how, once we are aware of what is happening in these areas, in ourselves and in others, we can make better choices about what is needed.

The Energies

How do we need to “be” in order to “do”? What impact does our energy and that of those around us have on the task at hand? How can we use our energy more effectively to shape the environment we are in, and inspire or focus others?

Taking the Lead

This session opens up the “doing” side of leadership. When you find yourself in a position of leadership, where should you start? This session introduces a simple framework on what steps we need to take in order to take the lead in any situation.

Decision Making and “The Decision Tree”

What impact do our decisions have on those around us? Who do we consider when we make decisions? What happens when we extend that consideration wider? What happens when we don’t? We are constantly making decisions. The Decision Tree provides a tool to help us consider how to make those decisions as wisely as possible.

Great Communication

Great communication is a key part of leadership, but it is not just about telling and the grand speeches. This session looks at the 4 key tools of dialogue: Listening, Respecting, Suspending, Voicing and at how to apply them to resolve conflict through thinking collectively.

Personal Mastery

We already have at our disposal all the core resources we need to achieve great things. We just need to make a conscious decision to develop and cultivate those resources. The Personal Mastery session looks at what we as individuals need to develop in ourselves in order to meet the needs we see in front of us, and at how we can put in place simple, practical steps to do so.

Leadership Styles

We look at Daniel Goleman's leadership styles developed at Harvard Business School to develop the tool kit of our participants so they can use their awareness to meet the needs of the situation and use the leadership styles which will bring about the most effective results.

Intent and Vision

What is it that we are really passionate about? How can we connect with that and use it to develop a vision for change in the world?

Making a Difference

Consolidating all their learning from the program, participants will now look at how they can translate this into action, either through individual actions or group projects designed to address one or more of the needs they have identified.

Participation Criteria

To be selected for the Leadership Foundations program you will need to be aged between 16-30 and show some evidence of your commitment to the development of your own community or society, through schemes, projects or individual action. You will also need to submit an idea for how you will make the difference on your return that you believe will uplift your world. The idea is something which you intend to work on after returning from the program. Although the programs are international and we welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and nations, you need to be able to speak English to participate.

How much will it cost?

North America USD $895 full price, $750 for students & employees of non-profits. There is a $60 discount for anyone who applies before April 17th 2009.

Europe (Ireland and Italy) €650

Australia  Corporate AU$2,500;  Full-time employed (self-funding) AU$845;  Students AU$545;  A limited number of scholarships are available. 

South Africa Rand RD5,000

We do provide assistance for those who need it, so please ask us for more details.

Where are the Programs held?

The Leadership Foundations programs are currently run in Ireland, Italy, Australia, North America and South Africa. 

Additional Note

We empower people to make a difference in their communities. We specialize in facilitating courses that increase participants' confidence, awareness and effectiveness in leading positive change. We offer a limited number of program and travel bursaries, but do not support people or projects financially beyond this. We offer coaching during and mentoring directly after programmes. We do not provide ongoing counselling. There are a number of other great organisations that offer funding, counselling and other support, some of which can be found on our Links page.