Advanced LEAD Academy, which launched March 19, 2015, is a three-session, six-module training experience designed to expose leaders to more advanced skills, and is suitable for people with basic skills who want to explore their leadership potential.

Conveniently covering two modules per session, the first module, titled Advanced Leadership Strategies: EQ-I, discusses ways in which leaders can manage their emotions by better keeping them in control; motivating oneself to go beyond the emotional comfort zone; recognizing and understanding other people’s emotions and why they may be expressed as they are; and managing the emotions of others to increase overall effectiveness.

All participants complete an EQ-i 2.0 emotional intelligence self-assessment profile and work in small groups, applying the tools and techniques learned in the session.

The second module, Negotiation as a Leadership Skill, explains how to decide if negotiation is needed; clarifying the issues and identifying all stakeholders; determining the best negotiation strategy based on desired outcomes and the relationship; and ensuring appropriate follow-up and next steps.

Advanced LEAD Academy is led by Marcey Uday-Riley, MSW, CPT, an expert facilitator trained in human performance, organizational development and human behavioral analysis.

Participants cited the highly interactive format as one of the most appealing aspects of the training. More than a lecture, each session provides opportunities for participants to remain engaged, discuss real situations, and get feedback to implement in their daily interactions.

“I liked the flow of the class and the fact that it was interactive. It allowed us to bring real-life situations into play,” said one attendee.

Early results from a follow-up survey convey the power of a course like this to positively impact how people lead. More than 90 percent of attendees strongly agreed the course would help them manage their emotions and the resulting behaviors in their leadership role; 80 percent said knowing and using the four steps of successful negotiation will help them better fulfill their role as leaders.

When asked about the most salient point of the day, one attendee noted, “Communicate, communicate, communicate. It is essential to get buy-in from colleagues. The more you communicate, the more people understand and the more influence you can have.”

Participants can register for a single session or choose to enroll in the complete program to earn a certificate. Each session is $305. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants per session. Please contact Karen Ochoa for more information at (213) 538-0765, kochoa@hasc.org or click here.

• Session II, April 16: Managing and Leading Effective Projects and Planning Successful Change
• Session III, May 14: Coaching for Development and Organizational Politics and Building Trust