By Marc Shaffer
The journey of leadership is one of continuous growth and learning, and I’m excited to share my enriching experience from this year’s LEADERs Institute through Catalyst Development.
This comprehensive leadership development program has not only expanded my professional network but has fundamentally transformed my approach to leadership both in the workplace and community.
Are you ready to learn more about an experience that could transform your professional (and personal) future?
Click here to view the LEADERs Institute Information Sheet
A Unique Approach to Leadership Development
What makes the LEADERs Institute particularly special is its innovative approach to leadership development across career stages. The program brings together professionals at three distinct levels:
- Individual Leaders/Contributors: Those with limited work experience who are beginning their leadership journey
- Front Line Leaders: Emerging leaders who are starting to understand their career path
- Mid-Career Leaders: Strategic decision-makers who are expanding their influence
This vertical integration creates a rich learning environment where participants can learn not just from the program content, but from others at different stages of their leadership journey. The mix of perspectives and experiences adds tremendous value to every discussion and interaction.
Strengthening Kansas City’s Leadership Pipeline
One of the program’s key goals is to strengthen Kansas City’s workforce pipeline by providing access to high-quality leadership development right here in our community. Instead of sending employees to conferences and workshops in other cities, the LEADERs Institute offers world-class leadership development opportunities locally, helping to build and retain leadership talent in Kansas City.
The Power of Community Connection
One of the program’s greatest strengths lies in its people. The guidance from Katie, Jenna, and Emma has been invaluable, providing expert facilitation and support throughout the journey. But equally important are the connections formed with fellow participants – relationships that continue to prove invaluable as I navigate my own leadership path.
What made this experience truly special was the genuine camaraderie that developed among our group. Beyond the structured program, we found ourselves naturally supporting each other through career transitions, celebrating new job opportunities, and enthusiastically participating in each other’s charitable fundraising initiatives. These organic connections extended well beyond our scheduled meetings, as we often got together informally to continue our discussions, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.
Learning Through Different Perspectives
The program’s carefully structured format combines expert-led sessions with interactive discussions and personal reflection time. Each three-hour learning session begins and ends with facilitation from the Catalyst Development team, while the core two hours feature field experts and panel discussions. This format ensures we get both theoretical knowledge and practical insights from experienced leaders in our community.
Understanding Privilege and Leadership
One of the most profound learning experiences came through our exploration of the privilege wheel. This powerful tool opened my eyes to the various dimensions of privilege that shape our experiences and opportunities in life. Through this exercise, I gained a deeper appreciation for how fortunate I am given my circumstances, while also recognizing that others with similar skills and abilities might face very different challenges based on their position within these intersecting dimensions of privilege.
This awareness has fundamentally changed how I approach leadership and decision-making. It has reminded me that effective leadership requires understanding and acknowledging these different lived experiences, and actively working to create inclusive environments that support and elevate all team members, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The LEADERs Framework
The program’s name itself encapsulates its core principles:
- Lead: Taking initiative and showing the way
- Engage: Actively participating and involving others
- Accept: Embracing diversity of thought and experience
- Develop: Continuous growth and improvement
- Effective: Achieving results through purposeful action
- Resilient: Adapting and persevering through challenges
- so what: Taking action with our newfound awareness
The lowercase “s” in LEADERs is intentional and perhaps the most crucial element of the framework. It challenges us to ask ourselves “so what?” after every learning experience. This simple question pushes us to transform our insights into meaningful action. It’s not enough to just understand privilege, leadership dynamics, or community needs – we must ask ourselves “so what are we going to do about it?” As community leaders, this final element of the framework ensures that our learning translates into tangible impact in our organizations and communities.
I am thankful for each facilitator from my time in the LEADERs Institute: L-Dr. Katie Ervin, E-Mary Messner, A-Micha Mims, D-Erin Fajen, E-Kristie Bray-Larson and Kellie Bray, R-Haley Prophet
Beyond the Classroom
What sets the LEADERs Institute apart is its comprehensive approach to learning. The half-day workshops held every other month provide structured learning opportunities, but the program goes beyond traditional classroom settings. Our social gatherings at organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, Yogurtini, and Junior Achievement offered practical insights into community leadership and networking.
Looking Forward
As I transition to alumni status, I’m excited about the ongoing opportunities to stay connected with the program and future classes. The LEADERs Institute isn’t just a year-long course – it’s the beginning of a longer leadership journey, creating a network of community leaders who support and learn from each other.
For Prospective Participants
For those considering the program, the LEADERs Institute represents a significant investment in your leadership development. Through its unique blend of structured workshops, community engagement, and networking opportunities, the program offers a comprehensive approach to leadership development that serves both professional growth and community impact.
The value extends far beyond the bi-monthly half-day workshops. It’s in the relationships formed, the perspectives gained, and the ongoing opportunities for growth and community service that make this program truly exceptional.
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about the LEADERs Institute, I’d be happy to connect you with Dr. Katie Ervin, whose guidance and expertise have been instrumental to the program’s success. While you’re at it, I highly recommend picking up her book, “You Might be an Asshole…But It Might Not Be Your Fault.” The book offers valuable insights into self-awareness and leadership development that align perfectly with the transformative journey that the LEADERs Institute provides.
This year-long journey through the LEADERs Institute has been more than just professional development – it’s been a transformative experience that will continue to shape my approach to leadership and community engagement for years to come.
The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions, which may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by others in the firm, and are meant for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. is not compensated by this vendor, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.