What’s next for WLI Alumni? Needs Assessment Results
In the last several months, WLI conducted an alumni needs assessment in order to determine how best to serve WLI alumni in terms of continuing education and involvement opportunities.
59 survey responses were analyzed, generating an outline for how we will continue to engage our program alumni. When asked “Do you value leadership development at this stage in your career?” all question respondents answered yes. This illustrates the commitment to personal development WLI alumni exhibit, and is a poignant reminder of the importance of providing ample development opportunities to our alumni.
Areas including leading through uncertainty, priorities and decision making as a leader, mental health, preparing an organization for crisis, and identifying innovation opportunities were identified as having the greatest need for continued development.
Alumni reported that in-person workshops are preferential for programming, followed by webinars.
Furthermore, responses indicated that our alumni find tremendous value in new experiences, diverse perspectives, and self-discovery.
In order to meet the needs of WLI alumni, we aim to offer programming with synchronous and asynchronous components. For example, posting written summaries of in-person events online or recording live webinars so they can be revisited on-demand.
With the insights gained from this survey, we look forward to offering engaging opportunities which will better serve WLI alumni.
Revisiting Your Why
When the world is chaotic, leadership becomes even more challenging. As we lead throughout these difficult times, we may find ourselves growing weary and becoming unsure of how we will continue on. When these doubts cloud our thoughts, we can center ourselves by remembering why we chose to lead in the first place. It is important to find time to reflect and remember our WHY, because when we are driven by a purpose our capacity for leadership is multiplied.
Simon Sinek is the leadership expert and bestselling author behind our theme of “Revisiting Your WHY” this month. Sinek is best known for popularizing the concept of WHY, which he described in his viral 2009 TED Talk. Sinek has spent years studying the people and organizations that make the greatest and longest lasting impact in the world. He has devoted his life to sharing his thinking in order to help leaders and organizations inspire action.
This month, we are sharing TED talks, podcasts, and articles revolving around Simon Sinek’s concept of WHY. While exploring these resources you will be encouraged to consider what drives you, what gets you out of bed each morning, and why you have decided to lead. This is our personal WHY. We hope that these resources aid in the process of revisiting your WHY and remind you why you choose to lead.
If you prefer to read:
Forbes Article: Why Purpose-Driven Businesses Are Faring Better In Covid-19
(5 minute read) This Forbes article discusses four ways purpose-driven companies are out performing their competitors amidst Covid-19. Read Now
Harvard Business Review Article: From Purpose to Impact
(15 minute read) This Harvard Business Review article presents a step-by-step framework that leaders can use to identify their purpose and develop an impact plan to achieve concrete results.
https://hbr.org/2014/05/from-purpose-to-impact
If you prefer to listen:
TED Talk: Start With Why
Simon Sinek’s TED Talk “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Action” is the third most-viewed TED video of all time. In this 20 minute video, Simon Sinek summarizes “The Golden Circle,” a framework which describes how great leaders and organizations distinguish themselves and inspire those around them.
Podcast: Coaching for Leaders Podcast featuring Simon Sinek
In this 40 minute episode of the Coaching for Leaders podcast, Simon Sinek discusses how purpose-driven leadership positively shapes organizations.
Podcast: Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why
In this 30 minute episode of the Learning Leaders Show podcast, Simon Sinek discusses why we should lead and the necessity of courage in leadership.
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