Developing future business and civic leaders: the Emerging Leaders Program

Purpose - The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) at the College of Management at U Mass, Boston is an executive leadership development program for mid-career professionals (average age 35) in the Greater Boston Area. The program was founded because of the belief that the future leadership of our urban areas cannot be left to chance. The founders believed that if we are to have inclusive and collaborative leaders in the future, we must find those potential leaders now and provide them with leadership training and development. This paper investigates this subject. Design/methodology/approach - The model is one that could be replicated in any major urban area. Participants are nominated by their organizations, who select them based on their leadership potential. There are usually 40-45 participants per year for the ten-month program: one week in January and one day a month through September. The program is built around three areas: meeting and learning from current leaders, skill development, teamwork and collaboration. Findings - The paper finds that extensive evaluations are done with frequent surveys to participants. The Leadership Practices Inventory is administered at the beginning and end of the program. ELP participants include 46 percent persons of colour and over half are women: the program meets its goals of being inclusive. Originality/value - The surveys indicate that a hands-on approach to leadership (rather than a more structured classroom approach) is quite effective for young professionals and that they cite development, enhanced networking across sectors, and an increased appreciation for diversity as most positive benefits.