ALTP Curriculum
What You Can Expect To Learn In The ALTP
The Advanced Leadership Training Program (ALTP) includes the five elements found in the most effective leadership development programs:1. Conceptual Model
A conceptual model is theory that forms the framework for learning, in this case for learning about leadership. The ALTP uses two conceptual models of leadership:
- Leadership is Behavior. Leadership comprises behavior and is not a personality trait or a position on an organizational chart. RIHEL uses Kouzes and Posner’s behavioral model of leadership, the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership: model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act, and encourage the heart.
- Collaborative Leadership. Collaboration is the most effective known approach to addressing complex problems. Since all the easy problems either have already been solved or do not require leadership, the collaborative approach is essential to today’s health and environment professionals.
2. Action Learning Experience
All fellows conduct a project as a learning laboratory for the leadership skills that they need to try out, practice or refine. The projects require the fellow’s passion, creativity, value to the community or workplace, the need to collaborate and the likelihood of sustainability after the project is completed. See examples of past projects.
3. Coaching
When a person has a position of authority, or is simply recognized as a leader, then (s)he will be approached for advice, including advice on matters about which (s)he may not know very much. Eliciting the untapped wisdom of a peer or protégé by acting as a “strategic thinking partner” – that is coaching – is an essential skill for a person recognized as a leader. The ALTP dedicates program time to developing coaching skills. During the program, fellows practice peer coaching and are also paired with a RIHEL peer coach (a RIHEL leadership program alumnus). At least one coaching conversation is held per month for six months.
4. 360 Degree Feedback
The ALTP will use the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) that corresponds directly to the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership to provide quantititate information about the frequency with which they exhibit those practices. Many 360º degree evaluation tools are available, but this one has been extensively studied and validated, and corresponds to the behavioral conceptual model learned by the participants. Participants are assisted in interpreting the report and planning actions to help them increase the practices that they want to magnify.
5. Reflection
Reflection is the hallmark of a leader, so ALTP faculty model reflection in the delivery of the program, facilitate group reflection during training events, and assign reflection questions between training events.
