Leadership Development

Leadership is the cornerstone of the program's curriculum. We realize that leadership is more than good management. Leadership requires strategic thinking in addition to technical knowledge, a tolerance for ambiguity, and the ability to communicate persuasively. Leaders are expected to become facilitators, stewards, coaches, and teachers, sharing responsibility and recognition while empowering others to develop their unique talents and capabilities.

Where will organizations find executives with such a diverse set of skills? Individuals with both solid business skills and the ability to communicate a vision for the future are in such short supply that, increasingly, organizations are called upon to develop leaders from within their own ranks.

The Terry Executive MBA was created to develop such leaders. The program consists of an innovative course of study that emphasizes both conceptual and practical development. You gain not only skills, but also perspective and confidence; not only knowledge, but also new ways of thinking; not only the ability to function more effectively at work, but also the tools to have a strategic impact on your organization.

The program devotes considerable time and attention to the understanding and building of personal leadership skills. The development of leadership competencies extends well outside the classroom. For example, participants interact with an executive leadership coach to better understand their personal strengths and weakness, and to develop an action plan for personal and professional growth. This interaction continues throughout the program, ensuring that each action plan remains current with changing circumstances, and that each participant consistently progresses towards his/her leadership goals. Participants also engage in an online discussion forum that addresses different leadership topics each month. Finally, participants complete a series of team building seminars that expose them to the practices and behaviors that yield high-performance work groups.

That is the Terry College commitment to your leadership capabilities - to position you so that you can confidently meet the leadership challenges of your organization.

The Key Competencies of Effective Leadership

This figure illustrates the key competencies of effective leadership (as defined by the Institute for Leadership Advancement).

Self-awareness and Personal Leadership

Leadership involves knowing yourself and your tendencies. Effective leaders must have a clear sense of their own values, emotional intelligence, and learning orientation.

Vision

Leadership involves seeing beyond what exists now to what may exist in the future. Leaders must be strategic, creative, forward-thinking, and excellent problem solvers.

Execution

Leadership is about action and getting things done. Leaders must have the organizational and planning skills necessary to move their organizations forward.

Adaptability

Leadership is ongoing and dynamic. Effective leaders must be flexible, versatile, and open to change.

Social Influence

Leadership involves working with others. Effective leaders must be adept at conflict resolution, motivation, communication, and team building.

Developing Others

Leadership is self-perpetuating. Leaders must foster and encourage others through mentoring, coaching, and the provision of feed-back.

Business Acumen

Leadership requires deftness and judgment. Effective leaders understand the legal, technological, financial, and human resources aspects of business.