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To Inspire Purposeful Leading

 

Certificate in Leadership Development

Understanding the Inside-First Approach

This certification program provides a rigorous and thoughtful process to train selected leaders, executive coaches, spiritual directors and group facilitators on the fundamentals of the Institute’s inside-first ™ philosophy and approach.  The program involves a several month  commitment with two on-site sessions in Vail, Colorado, plus several virtual sessions by phone and on the internet.  There will be emphasis on both the “why” and the “how” of our approach.   

Following certification, coaches, facilitators and spiritual directors will have the opportunity to join our Adjunct Faculty with the capability of offering Institute programs under a simple annual license arrangement.  Alternatively, graduates may simply incorporate the approach in their individual practices.

Objectives:

  1. To assist people in facilitating leadership and personal development that includes one’s spiritual perspective.
  2. To create a cadre of leaders who can provide direction that changes lives.

 

Concepts & Approaches Covered:

  1. Overview
    • Inside-first framework  (4 realms of the Building Blocks Model with emphasis on character)
    • The logic, sequence and flow of the various curriculum elements, as well as the “why” of these modules.
    • Coaching and facilitation approach.
    • Connecting to spiritual perspectives and direction.  (Re-centering; linking character to the spiritual and both to ethics)
  2. Curriculum Modules
    • Overview of VLI Approach; Secular Culture; Character Focus; Spiritual Perspectives; Dialogue; Andragogy
    • Values & Worldviews; Values Dilemmas
    • Understanding the “StrengthsFinder” model
    • Purpose-Vision-Plan (Managing Priorities) sequence using the Leaders Compass planning system
    • Core Relationships
    •  Servant Leadership
    •  Moral Reasoning and Moral Courage
    • Understanding of Advanced Modules
      1. Seasons of Leadership Model
      2. Authentic Communications
      3. Alignment Model
      4. Dialogue & Open Space
    • Use of Exemplars (Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Jesus of Nazareth, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr.)
    • Using films (Gandhi; K19; Les Miserables, Hart’s War; Noise, Pegasus)
  3.  Program Administration & Logistics
    • Using nature to reinforce the learning
    • Recommended program planning and logistical action
    • Marketing and enrollment
    • Program Materials & Binders
    • Use of VLI web-site
    •  Follow-up approach  (Keys to Leading Journal; Evaluations; Circles of Trust; membership in the Leaders Network)
    • Role of Adjunct Faculty

Program Flow:

  1. Before Session I  
    • Selected Readings
    • Leader Review
    • LifeLines
    • StrengthensFinder Assessment
    • Phone interview
  2. Session I:  Foundations (May 28-31st)
    • VLI Vision & Direction
    • In-depth review of inside-first framework
    • Use of selected foundational exercises
    • Dialogue on readings
  3. Between Session I & II 
    • Writing an “inside-first” leadership essay
    • Conference Call
    • Selected Readings
  4. At Session II: Spirituality & Skillful Actions   (July 9-12 or 24-26th)
    • Use of selected advanced exercises
    • Dialogue on readings
    • Approach in coaching and spiritual direction
    • Logistics & Administration
  5. After Session III
    • Follow-up Quarterly Conference Calls
    • Co-leading a program
    • Certification

Programs Covered:

  1. Foundations of Leadership for emerging leaders
  2. Exploring Potential for high school students
  3. Exploring Community Leadership for community leaders
  4. RoundTable of Leaders for emerging and developing leaders
  5. Leading Purposeful Lives for the general public
  6. Dialogue & Open Space for all leaders

Methodologies Used:

  1. Readings
  2. Dialogue
  3. Experiential exercises
  4. Expert presenters on selected topics
  5. Written perspectives

Cost: 

  1. $3600, plus a Materials & Meals Fee of $600.  
  2. Includes, meals, program modules, conference calls, three individual follow-up coaching sessions.  Travel, lodging and books not included.

Required Reading     

  1. The Courage to Teach:  Parker Palmer
  2. True North: Bill George
  3. Leadership as an Art:  Max DePree
  4. Spiritual Direction – Henri Nouwen
  5. Spirited Leading & Learning:  Peter Vaill
  6. The Tao of Leadership – John Heider
  7. Guide to Effective Coaching – Frederic Hudson

Compendium of Readings (selected essays provided)    

  1. The Purposeful Prairie – David Wondra
  2. Becoming a Servant-Leader – Isabel Lopez
  3. Leading from Within – Parker Palmer
  4. Man’s Search for Meaning: Victor Frankl
  5. The Spiritual Growth of a Public Man – Abraham Lincoln: Eldon Trueblood
  6. The Power of Spirituality – Patricia Aburdene
  7. The Spirituality of Leadership – Bill Grace
  8. How Good People Make Tough Choices – Rushworth Kidder

 Certification Faculty

  1. John Horan-Kates; President – Vail Leadership Institute; Certified Master Coach; author of the Keys to Leading.
  2. Dr. Larry Donnithorne – President Emeritus – Colorado Christian University; author of The West Point Way of Leadership.
  3. Bob Vanourek; Chairman Emeritus – Vail Leadership Institute.

Qualifications:  Candidates must…    

  1. Have at least ten years experience leading an organization or team.
  2. Hold an undergraduate degree, preferably an advanced degree.
  3. Endorse the inside-first approach.
  4. Be articulate and confident, yet humble.
  5. Acknowledge the spiritual dimension of humanity.

 Applications:

Please provide an outline of your background, together with a brief  description of your interest in this program and what plans you might have to utilize a VLI Certificate in Leadership Development.   Send this information to John Horan-Kates at jhk@vailleadership.org.