September 17, 2024
21st Century Leadership workshops come to a close
In February 2024, 17 area professionals turned to the COB’s Office of Expert Services and participated in the first 21st Century Leadership microcredentialed program, a series of workshops designed to give participants opportunities to grow their leadership skills for the benefit of the individual and their companies.
The leadership series is the first microcredential opportunity to be launched through ECU’s new microcredential approval process and is offered through the ECU Office of Continuing and Professional Education. The seven-course series focused on capabilities such as:
- Self-leadership
- Communication and vision-casting
- Influence and negotiation
- Coaching and people development
- Motivating and engaging people
- Leading teams
- Building an inclusive culture
Post-workshop discussions with the participants revealed that the workshops had successfully addressed the key capabilities required for their ongoing self-growth, ticking all the right boxes.
Another consequence of the workshops was the camaraderie established between all the participants. During the closing ceremony, where all participants received a challenge coin that was emblazoned with the 21st Century Leadership badge, series organizer Dr. Andy Herdman spoke about how the participants were “a group of extraordinary people, with a diversity of backgrounds, industries, and leadership challenges, who were unified by a desire to grow their impact as leaders in their organizations and communities.”
It was their sense of professional respect and understanding that struck a chord with him.
“One of the more gratifying outcomes of the program was the mutual support and care they developed as a group,” said Herdman. “Truly, there was an environment of shared learning, mutual support, transparency, and growth.”
Rachel Whitten, vice president of sales and services for Visit Greenville, NC, said the diversity of both the sessions and the cohort enriched the learning experience.
“One of the greatest benefits has been how quickly the environment became a safe space where I could openly address and work through real-world challenges and opportunities I was facing,” said Whitten.
“Our cohort was incredible,” said Wade Scales, partner, Sound Partners. “I have learned a lot from the folks who signed up for the class. We are diverse people from a range of industries and backgrounds. However, our similarities far outweighed our differences.”
Regarding the benefits of the workshop, Scales added, “I see the 21st Century Leadership binder, which was built out throughout the class, being our company’s playbook going forward.”
“These tools (I learned) will enable me to further develop my team and strengthen relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, contributing to the continued success and growth of our organization,” said Whitten.
“It’s just another way ECU serves our region and does more than its part in making Greenville great,” added Scales.
Joining Herdman during the ceremony were series instructors Drs. Patrick McKay and Kent Alipour. Dr. Amy McMillan, COB associate dean of research and faculty development, and Dr. Michael Harris, dean, COB.
Registration for the second cohort, which starts Oct. 18, is now open. For more information, visit 21st Century Leadership Program.
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