Professional staff can LEAP ahead in 2011
The 2011 Learning Experience for Aspiring Professionals (LEAP) program is now accepting applications. Nomination packets are due no later than Feb. 4 at 5 p.m. All Mississippi State University professional staff members are eligible for nomination.
Formerly known as the Staff Leadership Program, the goal and purpose of LEAP is to provide advanced knowledge, enhanced leadership skills, and direct, practical work application for selected Mississippi State employees. As a result of the program, a participant increases the capacity to lead: (1) oneself, (2) other individuals, and (3) a university unit or organization.
LEAP participants are chosen through a competitive nomination and selection process. The LEAP application package is designed to assess qualifications, professional accomplishments, academic skills, and leadership abilities of applicants. The information provided will be used as the basis for invitation to participate in LEAP.
To recognize a professional staff member from your department, please complete part one of the LEAP application package (click here to download PDF). Your nominee, the LEAP applicant, will complete the second and third parts. The entire LEAP application package should then be forwarded to the vice president of your division for approval. Once approved, the completed application package should be sent to Meg Arnold via campus mail at mailstop 9603 or e-mail.
Again, the deadline to submit completed nomination packets is Friday, Feb. 4 at 5 p.m.
Beginning March 10, LEAP participants will meet the second Thursday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to learn from campus and community experts and to discuss the goals and priorities of Mississippi State and its departments. Learning topics include: Understanding University Operations, Building Effective Teams, Managing Employee Performance, Building Relationships and Influence, and Strategic Thinking.
Additional components of the program include:
- Two, one-on-one meetings with a university administrator;
- Three assessments: leadership, personality, and conflict style;
- Individual coaching session to develop a professional action plan;
- Several individual and group presentations throughout the program.
