Women's leadership programs

[boiler717]

Has anyone been involved with a women's leadership program? I'm considering applying for one at a local university that is designed to put together a small group of women and over the course of 7 months help advance leadership skills. It's fairly inexpensive and while I'm sure there will be quite a bit of at-home work, it's 7 on site day long sessions (one per month).
I'm looking for any anecdotal feedback you have on how similar programs have helped you, if you thought it was worth the effort, etc. Thanks!

[konapoppy]

I feel like @shoegal did this recently. A perfect excuse to come back, @shoegal! eta: I was traveling yesterday and can see shoegal is posting more. Welcome back

It sounds great. We have one at my company, but they focus on corporate and I am in a field office

[ds1013]

I attended a very similar program at a university (and if you're in Indiana, perhaps it's the same one?). It was also 7 classes - one full day per month. I went to my current supervisor and asked for the time off without having to take leave and walked out of that meeting with the time off and my employer paying for it! Honestly, it was awesome. There was less at-home work than I expected going in, but there was some reading and some planning for the next sessions. The biggest benefit to me was the 360 review & the contacts I made who were also in the program. It has truly helped me to become a better supervisor and leader.

[boiler717]

Apr 17, 2015 14:58:24 GMT -5 ds1013 said:

I attended a very similar program at a university (and if you're in Indiana, perhaps it's the same one?). It was also 7 classes - one full day per month. I went to my current supervisor and asked for the time off without having to take leave and walked out of that meeting with the time off and my employer paying for it! Honestly, it was awesome. There was less at-home work than I expected going in, but there was some reading and some planning for the next sessions. The biggest benefit to me was the 360 review & the contacts I made who were also in the program. It has truly helped me to become a better supervisor and leader.

Thanks! I am guessing it is the same one -- I will PM you some specific questions if you don't mind!

[ds1013]

Of course!

[crashgizmo]

I've done something similar but it wasn't just women. It was a 9 month program and i LOVED it. It was such a great career advancer and I got so many great contacts.

[pumpkin]

I've never heard of something like this, but think its wonderful and would love to complete something similar. If you decide to do it, I'd love to hear much more about it.

[Deleted]

I developed a women in leadership group at my company, so it's a little different than what you've been describing.

As long as you feel good about the investment level required, you should absolutely do it. Over the past 4 years, I've done a ton of research on diversity groups (specifically ethnic, sexual orientation, gender, ability) and I am particularly attracted to programming and groups that are more about action / results than ruminating on the problem / current state of affairs. I'd be more than happy to take a look at your potential program agenda & give you more details.

I feel I have grown a ton as a leader and a professional, and the feedback and impact we're seeing is tremendous. One of the most rewarding things I've spent time on EVER in my career. I love it.

[Deleted]

crashgizmo's point is really important, IMO. My network has strengthened so much from work in this space.