Authentic Leadership

Directed by Susan Skjei with Mark Gerzon, Arawana Hayashi, Julio Olalla, Laura Simms
and Mark Wilding

Times of uncertainty and tumultuous change have stretched traditional leadership and managerial models beyond capacity. A new kind of leader is needed—one who can see situations from multiple perspectives, foster a culture of trust and collaboration and respond creatively and effectively to change.

Authentic Leaders are comfortable with complexity and look for opportunities to partner with individuals and groups to address organizational, societal and environmental issues. 

They foster innovation and help their organizations discover unique and creative solutions to questions such as:

• How can we achieve bottom-line results while fostering a culture of trust and collaboration?
• How can we nurture ourselves and our teams in the midst of turbulent change?
• How can we create resilient organizations that contribute to their environment and continue to innovate and renew?

Whether you work in a business, government, NGO or nonprofit organization, or as an independent coach or consultant, the Authentic Leadership program will provoke a profound shift in your perception of the world and of your own capabilities as a leader. By cultivating awareness, insight and confidence, and practicing powerful methods that foster engagement with others, you will expand your ability to act effectively with both skill and compassion.

The Program

Naropa’s Authentic Leadership certificate program provides a transformative learning experience that integrates ancient wisdom with modern, effective, approaches to leadership.  It utilizes practical theory, skill building and real-world application to foster in-depth personal and professional development.

The program was developed in 2001, by Susan Skjei, MS, educator and leadership development consultant. With more than 250 alumni, the program continues to grow and evolve and incorporates concepts and practices from business, human development and leadership authors such as:  Juanita Brown, Pema Chodron, Jim Collins, Bill George, Mark Gerzon, Daniel Goleman, Joe Jaworski, Adam Kahane, Robert Kegan, Fred Kofman, John Kotter, Lisa Laskow Lahey, Sakyong Mipham, Julio Olalla, Otto Scharmer, Peter Senge, Susan Skjei, Chogyam Trungpa, Ken Wilber, Meg Wheatley and Brenda Zimmerman.

Topics

• Authenticity, self-reflection and personal mastery
• Skillful conversation and conflict resolution
• Collaboration, decision making and teamwork
• Power, influence and empowerment
• Leading organizational change

Benefits

• Increase effectiveness with organizational issues
• Find well-being and meaning in your work
• Gain skills and confidence in leading change
• Energize and empower your organization
• Balance work and life commitments
• Participate in a vital learning community
• Integrate core values and performance

Format

Authentic Leadership is a 16 week leadership certificate program that integrates the best of Western leadership practices with the wisdom of Eastern contemplative traditions to provide a transformative learning experience. The blended learning format encourages deep, personal learning, fast assimilation of conceptual models and practical application to the workplace.  Online instruction allows participants to download readings, share ideas and participate from anywhere in the world. Onsite sessions provide in-depth instruction and practice of authentic leadership skills.  Leadership coaching helps participants integrate and apply their learning. The format consists of:

• Sixteen weeks of internet-based instruction
• Two five-day on-site seminars in Boulder, Colorado
• Five individual sessions with professional leadership coaches
• Online interaction with instructors and colleagues
• Action-learning projects in the workplace
• Teleconferences with coaches and colleagues

Dates and Location

Dates: January 11– May 1, 2010
Online program 16 weeks
Onsite 1: January 25–29, 2010
Onsite 2: April 12–16, 2010

Sessions occur at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado

Professional Development Tuition

General Tuition:  $5200*
Scholarship: Scholarship applications are now available please click HERE to download the form.  There are two deadline dates for scholarship applications.  We recommend applying in the earliest round for the best chance to receive funding.  Please complete the form and email it to Jessica Bowser at jbowser@naropa.edu.  Deadline 1: November 15, 2009.  Deadline 2: December 15, 2009.  Questions call: 303-245-4800.

* Travel, lodging and food are not included. Multiple discounts and/or scholarships do not apply.

Click HERE to register.

Graduate Credit Tuition: Authentic Leadership—MAR500e may also be taken for 6 graduate credits. Documentation is available for corporate tuition reimbursement programs and for bank loan programs. Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Graduate Credit Tuition (MAR500e, 6 credits): $5,290*
* Travel, lodging and food are not included.  Discounts and scholarships do not apply if taking the program for credit.

Extended Studies 303-245-4800 or 800-603-3117
Mailing address: 2130 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80302
Program Location: Nalanda Campus: 6287 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO
Fax: 303-245-4819
Email: extend@naropa.edu