An Interview with GISC’s Co-Directors of Leadership Development

Can you say a bit about the programs that are part of this new series?

Adriana: The GISC Leadership Series is a collection of programs designed for mid-level leaders, focusing on Presence, Use of Self, and the Keys to Authentic Leadership. These half-day sessions, led by two GISC faculty members, include:

·      Courage and Change – Supporting leaders to inspire growth and adaptability in a changing workplace.

·      Relational Intelligence – Strengthening leaders’ ability to connect intentionally with others.

·      Inclusive Leadership – Encouraging engagement with diverse perspectives and fostering respect and inclusion.

·      Cultivating Resilience – Building capacity for personal and team resilience and wellbeing.

While anyone can enroll, we recommend beginning with our blended-learning program, Leading Self, which introduces foundational Gestalt concepts and leadership principles.

Deb: This series invites professionals from small and midsize non-profit and for-profit organizations to engage in micro-learning modules on the key competencies required for leadership success in today’s dynamic workplace. The synchronous online learning approach creates flexibility and allows participants to join from around the world. Each module is four hours long and provides a blended approach of content delivery, interactive group discussion, experiential activities and small group breakouts.

Collectively, the series will focus on raising self-awareness as a leader, engaging constructively with an ever-changing workplace, expanding choices in how one leads and connects with others, applying a new lens to the work of inclusive leadership, and taking action to promote resilience and wellbeing in self and others.

What inspired the development of this series and how did you choose the topics?

Deb: We knew it was time to shift our approach to offering leadership development programs. Among other influences, the pandemic radically altered the culture and expectations of how professionals engage in leadership development. Leaders still want to grow, but organizations can no longer commit the same level of time and resources to lengthy programs. Our research showed that organizations are willing to invest when the learning is perceived as high-value and relevant. It must be tied to leaders’ current challenges, personalized to their needs, and have direct application.

We set out to figure out how to best meet this need. We scoured the internet for literature and research to learn more about what leaders need to be successful – now and in the future. We invited members of our community to weigh in. And we focused on the topics that most closely align with GISC’s distinctive strengths and expertise.

Adriana: GISC’s mission to transform the way individuals live and work in the world inspired the creation of this series. We recognized the need for continuous development, and we drew upon focus groups and research to identify the skills leaders need in today’s dynamic environment. We also listened to organizational needs, finding that cookie-cutter programs were losing relevance. Our approach—learning that’s designed to be practical, personalized, and experiential —helps leaders build self-awareness and positively impact those they lead.

Who is this series best suited for? 

Adriana: This series is ideal for mid-level leaders who lead teams and are motivated to understand their leadership style, skills, and impact. It is also suitable for newer leaders eager to develop their leadership potential.

Deb: We’re looking for people with some leadership experience who want to increase their influence, lead others while leading themselves, and keep current with leadership trends. “Early in career” leaders who are ambitious or considered high potential will grow tremendously if they engage in this series. We also believe the series will be extremely beneficial to motivated leaders who are challenged or struggling in their current role.

In a nutshell, we hope to attract participants who have experienced some type of leadership responsibility and aim to become more aware of self, their impact on others, and how they can be most effective in their role.

Why is it important for leaders at this level to develop their presence and use of self and to explore these more advanced concepts?

Deb: Today’s leaders work in highly demanding environments that are constantly changing. They are expected to stay connected, manage accelerated deadlines and respond to increased expectations. Workplaces are challenging! We must, therefore, learn not only how to manage effectively but thrive. Thriving—not just surviving—requires us to bring our most authentic selves to our roles. That means being aware of our values, strengths, personality, and beliefs, and developing facility in using this awareness – our “use of self” – in our interactions with others. A well-honed presence enables us to productively interact with others, improve our mutual experience, and generate the energy to learn and lead.

In the end, we are left with ourselves as the most important tool or instrument to effectively navigate the complexities of leading. At GISC, we want to help people take full advantage of it!
 

Adriana: Research shows that presence is one of the most valued traits in effective leadership. At GISC, we emphasize the use of self—understanding who you are, the impact you have, and acting with intention—as a cornerstone of authentic leadership. Leaders grounded in these principles are better equipped to lead with clarity and purpose – and to achieve real results for their organizations.

Is there anything more you’d like to say about the series or the first two programs being offered this fall?

Deb: Just that we’re thrilled to have two of our most accomplished faculty members, Anita Frisch and Allison Iantosca, leading Courage and Change and Relational Intelligence this fall. Their experience as leaders, coaches and learning designers will make this a fabulous experience people don’t want to miss.

Adriana: These sessions have been in development for over a year and are rich in content and experiential learning. Participants can expect a dynamic and engaging experience which we’re confident they’ll find both valuable and enjoyable.

Learn more about the GISC Leadership Series, including program dates, here.