the national society of leadership and success … · the certificate pathway is a step-by-step...

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIPTHE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS

THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS

The Executive Leadership course is a personalized learning experience offered by The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) that puts members on the forefront of innovative leadership development. Unlike other leadership development programs, NSLS takes members beyond a narrow focus of goal-setting to impacting and leading others. In our tailored programs, our coursework prepares leaders to understand and engage with contemporary issues of leadership: collaboration, creative problem-solving, communication, and personal and social action. Working on-campus or online, our programs are built around five leadership modules and prepare members to lead in the 21st century and drive meaningful change for themselves, others, and the world.

THE CURRICULUMLeadership is not simply about finding your next employment step; it’s about figuring out what you really desire in your professional experience and adopting a mindset that creates exciting opportunities for yourself and others. Leadership is a learning-by-doing philosophy for those who are determined, tenacious, and hungry to get the most out of life. Our Executive five-module program takes members on different pathways and in greater levels of learning leadership.

We believe that there is no one-size-fits-all leadership journey. This unique program allows for great flexibility and customization for each member in an effort to provide a holistic and broad scope of opportunities in the curriculum and learning. In each module, we challenge members to initiate, understand new concepts in leadership, and create personal projects for achieving their leadership goals. Each module contains various activities, ranging from read and reflects to leadership case studies to collaborative coaching and video mentoring. This utilization of a blended learning approach allows each member to engage with different pathways and activities in their own, unique ways. We finish each module with assessments or reflections that empower leaders to demonstrate their achievement of leadership goals. In the end, each member who completes our program earns alumni status and either certifications or credits, depending on the chosen pathway.

In this program, you will:

• Own your core purpose and take the responsibility of your actions as you self-develop, and plan for your future.

• Be challenged to develop the courage to lead through the difficult challenges within leadership of self and others.

• Problem-solve through your leadership growth with a creative and collaborative spirit.

• Create positive change

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP


Our Approach to Leadership Development

We know what it means to create a learning community that empowers and engages leaders to become their best selves. We know the power of combining a supportive, connected community with an action-focused, educational experience.

• Inclusive. Our program structure allows for a widely diverse population to succeed. Our platform offers learning experiences in a variety of different scenarios and approaches to engage members of all backgrounds.

• Action-focused. We learn best by doing and concepts are important but only when they are backed up by real-world actions and implementation.

• Complex. We know that leadership can be messy. Rather than seeking to find simple solutions to complex problems, our leadership programs ask difficult questions, pose new challenges, and help members to become comfortable with ambiguous answers.

• Community. It is crucial to have a community mindset because communities give us confidence and hold us accountable and help us to stick to new ways of thinking and acting.

• Reflection. The imperative to engage in reflective practice is the best way for leaders to evolve. It is through reflection that individuals, organizations, and communities are able to evaluate, change, and adapt to new ways of leadership thinking.

THE PROGRAM: EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Over time, we help leaders take stock of their leadership intentions and goals and help to build knowledge, skills, and competencies to make an impact towards a better world. There are two pathway options per course: certificate or credit pathways.

This Executive Leadership program is designed to help you integrate your leadership development into your lifestyle. The combination of on-campus and online learning modules delivers a broader understanding of core leadership education and a hands-on, cross-disciplinary approach to leadership.

Whether on-campus or in our online cohorts, members have the opportunity to apply these new skills or understandings to everyday life and contribute more effectively to other projects and initiatives.



CERTIFICATE & CREDIT PATHWAYS

Certificate Pathway

The Certificate Pathway is a step-by-step program for members to build their leadership skills. They will complete five leadership modules during which they will learn how to identify and overcome obstacles, as well as identify their true passions and strengths while creating action steps to achieve their goals, and learn from leaders who are experts in their respective industries. Members are also assigned to small groups that meet bi-weekly to set goals for future success and hold each other accountable toward these goals.

Your next step is to complete the Executive Leadership Modules. In these modules, you’ll explore topics that will help you to improve your ability to recognize what leadership style is needed in the moment so that you can flex based on the needs of the situation.

Through the four modules, you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop the seven qualities of effective mentors.

• Explore how you can leverage your passion into a career.

• Learn how be an inclusive leader.

• Explore ways to focus on performance for success.

Credit Pathway

Members desiring to earn credit for the Executive Leadership course must first enroll and receive access to five additional leadership modules in our learning management system. Most members complete their credit coursework in parallel with the Certificate Pathway; however, members are able to complete the coursework post-certificate or post-induction, as well. Once the coursework from the Credit Pathway and the Certificate Pathways are complete, the member will receive a transcript for 1.0 credit.

As an accredited organization and through our partnerships with colleges and universities across the United States, the NSLS provides numerous options for members to earn and use their credits and transcripts. These options include digital badging for social media and personal marketing, graduate school applications and essay writing, professional certifications, personal leadership portfolios, or future continuing education credits. Acceptance of credit at any institution is at the discretion of the receiving educational institution. To receive more information, please email [email protected].

Credit Pathway participants receive five additional leadership modules that coincide with the modules of the Certificate Pathway. They are specific lessons and leadership activities centered on identifying leadership issues and applying practical solutions to personal situations. These additional modules include video lessons and live video check-ins or Q&A sessions. Participants will also have access to hundreds of additional leadership resources. Another core element is the project to build a comprehensive leadership strategy and implementation plan that leads to a personal portfolio.



In addition to the details listed under the Certificate Pathway above, the Credit Pathway also offers the following:

1. Module One: Introduction & Networking

• Now that you have learned some proven networking strategies, it is time to put them into action! Participate in a networking event, implement these strategies, and fill out the reflection questions following the event. Your networking event can be with your local chapter or you can find an outside event to satisfy this step in your journey. Networking can happen anywhere and the results of building your tribe are invaluable, so get started!

• Study after study demonstrates that the more leaders and organizations can manage and navigate their networks, the more they can achieve their goals. But despite its importance, networking sounds self-serving or nerve wracking. We need a new mindset and strategy to maintain critical relationships or leverage existing ones.

1. Understand what an effective network is and what to avoid

2. Using tools to connect with others

3. How to achieve a solid networking strategy that will carry you into the next stage of your career

4. How to engage (or dis-engage) in a network or deepen existing relationships

2. Module Two: Becoming a Mentor

• The experience of leading others allows us to both express and develop our strengths. In this module, you will explore your current experiences with leadership and identify areas where you may need to further develop your skills.

• Often, we blur leadership with our own personal decisions and emotions. How to lead others is often driven by understanding ourselves first before mentoring or leading others. Learn how to use ground-breaking research in this field to craft your own mentorship culture for others.

1. Use best practices to assess the culture of a current workplace and reflect on how you fit into that system

2. Incorporate data into decisions about how to lead or mentor others in order to promote, retain and build the relationship

3. Understand what motivates or detracts from a good mentor-mentee relationship

4. Diagnose problems and solutions that you can apply to a mentoring relationship



3. Module Three: Inclusive Leadership • In this module, you’ll explore topics in the importance of effective communication in your

interpersonal relationships. You’ll have a chance to reflect on your personal strengths as a leader and identify areas where you may need to further develop. Your ability to identify and work with a variety of communication styles will greatly impact your success.

• You will identify and make progress on a leadership challenge that includes others. Learning to lead others, especially in situations of uncertainty, requires deep and inclusive relationships. We will help you learn how to foster inclusive leadership.

1. Learn how to identify problems early on and begin problem-solving immediately.

2. Build a team that can work collaboratively and easily.

3. Focus on leadership development of others.

4. Module Four: Perspective, Performance, Priorities• Emotional intelligence impacts our ability to positively lead teams effectively. When attuned to

the emotional experience of your team, you will experience greater buy-in, respect, and overall cooperation. In this module, you will explore an example of emotional intelligence in action and have the opportunity to reflect on the scenario offered in the video.

• Many leaders need to be organized and carry the ability to motivate others. Learn how to use data, formulate action plans, and motivate others to achieve even more.

5. Module Five: Unconventional Solutions• Knowing how and where to use your talents and abilities is an important skill in every leader’s toolbox.

In this module, you’ll explore how to leverage your personal strengths and the strengths of others.

• In order to drive change, we need practical strategies to become capable of powering through difficult circumstances and drive change in the world.

1. Learn how to create daily structure that fosters problem-solving and healthy collaboration.

6. Module Six: Mentorship Reflection • Mentorship is a crucial component in your personal and professional growth. Learning directly

from professionals in your field will directly impact the direction of your career. You’ll gain the tools necessary to identify the ideal mentor, approach them, and structure your mentor relationship effectively.



National Office Broadcasts & Speaker Broadcasts

As an inducted member who has completed previous Leadership Certifications, you have participated in a minimum of six Speaker Broadcasts with the NSLS. In this step, you will be part of a smaller elite group of members attending one session presented by a member of the NSLS National Office Leadership Team. Throughout the live broadcast, you will be able to ask questions and interact with the host.

Although there are three options, you only need to attend one. If you are unable to participate in one of the live broadcasts, you can request a make-up by clicking on the Archived Webinars tab.

You will receive credit for the National Office Broadcast program step when the broadcast that you are watching or participating in ends.

Additionally, we encourage our Executive Leaders to continue to engage in Speaker Broadcasts, where you will hear from global leaders and best-selling authors on topics that include leadership, identifying goals, facing challenges, personal growth and successfully transitioning from college to career. You can interact with the speakers via Twitter and Facebook during each broadcast. Key takeaways include:

• Learn to critically analyze information considering the field, experience, and culture that has contributed to a speaker’s viewpoints.

• Reflect on how each speaker’s message can be applied to a situation or experience in your own life.

• Consider how a speaker’s opinion may provide a counterpoint to your own beliefs or ideas. Use this exclusive access to experts sharing insights gained in their own experiences to shape your own leadership journey.

Success Networking Teams Facilitation

To complete this step, you will facilitate three SNT Meetings and complete quizzes based on training videos.SNT Facilitation allows you to flex the skills you’ve learned with a group of members going through SNTs for the first time. Being a facilitator is a big responsibility. Putting SNTs into action as a facilitator, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with peers focused on setting and achieving goals that will impact your interpersonal development as a leader. Additionally, the administrative components of this important role will enhance your time-management, organization, and problem-solving abilities.



Now, it’s time to put your training into action. Reach out to your chapter leaders when you are ready to be assigned to an SNT group as a facilitator.

To complete this step, you will need to:

• Watch the Negotiation video

• Complete the Negotiation Reflection questions

• Watch the Types of Conflict video

• Complete the Types of Conflict Reflection questions

• Facilitate three SNT meetings

To receive credit for the step of SNT Facilitation, you will need to complete all of the action items listed.

NOTE TO ONLINE CHAPTER MEMBERS: As an online member, since you are not set up in a group on your campus, you will be networking with other individuals in your immediate environment. This could be parents, relatives, neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc. It is completely up to you to choose your group members and form your group. Once you have put together your group, you will facilitate your SNT meetings using the training provided in this step. You will need to complete a total of three SNT Facilitation reflections (and write-ups), and the meetings should be spaced 1-2 weeks apart.

Better World Project

As part of Executive Leadership Certification, you are required to complete a real-life project that you will design, recruit volunteers to complete, and implement within your community. The Better World Project allows you to put what you’ve learned about leadership into practice and connect with your personal passion and purpose. Through this experience you will:

• Create a detailed timeline for your project.

• Recruit volunteers and delegate roles and tasks to meet your goals.

• Develop a budget for executing your project.

• Reflect on your experience and the impact you have made on others.



To complete this step, you will need to:

1. Watch the Better World Project introduction video for a better understanding of what is being asked.2. Watch the Project Inspiration video to gain insight of an example of a Better World Project that can be

implemented within your community. 3. Submit your Better World Project Application based off of a community event that you intend to implement

to the National Office for review and approval. This will take between two and three business days for review.

4. Once your Better World Project Application has been approved you may begin to implement your project within your community using the timeline you designed.

5. After you have completed your project and debriefed with your volunteers, you will submit your Better World Project Reflection to the National Office for approval. This will take between two and three business days for review.

6. You will receive credit for this step once your Reflection Form has been approved.

COURSE MATERIALS Although this course is based within on-campus programming, internet access is required in order to participate and complete all necessary course materials. All course items are accessible through your learning account. The necessary materials for this course can all be provided through the electronic platform.

THE EDUCATION TEAM

Each NSLS program has several educational leaders. Our team consists of educators with credible track records in education and business leadership, coaching, entrepreneurship, and collaborative facilitation who can act as leaders and role models. This team guides the education experience and helps members to engage with the content and curriculum in personalized ways. Our role is to challenge members and help toward growth in leadership.

GRADING & ASSESSMENTS There are written assignments that help you to apply material learned throughout the program. These are housed directly within your members area. The assignments can be seen broken down in the section included below regarding the percentage of completion.

Please let us know if you have any extenuating circumstances that prevent you from getting your work in on time and/or attending course sessions/dates. Contact the NSLS Education Team by email if you have any problems or questions. The biggest reason for failure to complete the programming is procrastination. It is important to get started early and work steadily toward completing the assignments for each section.



Assignment Deadlines

Your assignment deadlines are all posted online. All materials must be submitted in order to receive your final grade and transcript. Failure to do so may result in a continuation of the program the following semester and/or activities being completed through an online platform.

Grading

The key components of the programming are broken down below. These make up the percentage of completion that you will monitor throughout the term. All percentages are allotted as follows:

10% Orientation + Welcome

20% Six Modules (Activities, lessons, assessments)

20% Facilitate Three Success Networking Team Facilitation + coursework

20% National Office Broadcasts

20% Better World Project

10% Final Reflection

Rubric for the Success Networking Team Facilitation/Reports/ Better World Projects

The SNT Meeting Reports will be submitted by each individual student following the conclusion of the meeting. While these reports are subjective and can be taken in many directions, it is important to understand that substantive content must be provided to receive credit for completion.

CERTIFICATIONS & CREDITS

Members who successfully complete the program earn certificates, digital badges, or credits in accordance with the program and courses selected. Credits are normally transferable, but members should consult an academic advisor at their home institution to confirm transferability of the credit(s) and application to transcripts. Our courses are P/F courses and we are unable to provide incomplete grades.

Digital badges are provided to all members electronically once their coursework is completed. Upon successful completion of the program/coursework, members are awarded a verified digital transcript, but members can additionally request transcripts of their coursework be mailed personally or to another institute by submitting the online Transcript Request Form.



CONTACT US

Connect with an Education Team Member

Amy Westby: [email protected] Specialist: [email protected]

For General Education Queries

E-mail: [email protected]


the national society of leadership and success … · the certificate pathway is a step-by-step...

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