leadership development workshop
Experience sustainable leadership development within your team and organization with our 13-month leadership development workshop.
Our leadership workshop is an immersive program that delivers lasting growth, enhanced team dynamics, and a sustainable competitive edge for your organization.
Designed for critical employees at all levels, this program goes beyond traditional leadership training, offering an immersive journey that fosters leadership excellence through experiential learning, practical application, and continuous reflection within a close-knit community.
About the Path Forward Leadership Workshop
Our leadership workshop isn’t just a course or training; it’s a comprehensive leadership development program for personal and professional growth.
Experiential and Interactive
It's structured around experiential learning, where your leaders practice new behaviors in a supportive yet challenging environment, reinforcing new habits and insights.
Cohort-Based
Conducted in small groups, the workshop cultivates individual growth while fostering systemic improvements across your organization, creating a dialogue around what successful leadership means within your unique context.
Engaged and Dynamic
This is not your typical series of training sessions. It's an active, 13-month conversation with oneself and others and a growth journey that engages leaders daily in the real work of leading.
Living the Learning
Our workshop emphasizes the application of learning in real-time work situations. Each month's session acts as a catalyst, with the actual work of leadership growth happening continuously through daily interactions and responsibilities.
The Outcome for Your Leaders
Leaders emerge from this experience operating at a significantly higher level of effectiveness, an enhancement visible within the workplace and beyond. The workshop's ultimate destination is sustainable leadership excellence—a transformation noticed and felt by colleagues, bosses, friends, and family alike.
Curriculum and Leadership Topics
You're charged with the vital task of selecting the best for your leaders. This workshop is designed to shape leaders and coach them into visionaries for your organization.
The conceptual framework for the leadership workshop is the Leadership Platform, which is presented in the book Land On Your Feet, Not On Your Face. This framework serves as the foundational curriculum for the workshop as well as the starting point for the wide-ranging dialog that takes place among learners.
The Leadership Platform consists of 12 “Planks” each of which explores how leaders think about their challenges and how leadership impacts the lives of individuals and the organization's performance.
The 12 Planks of the Leadership Platform are divided into three sections:
Planks 1-4 explore Leadership of Self
Planks 5-8 explore Leadership of Others
Planks 9-12 explore Leadership of Teams
Each plank is a step forward in their and your organization's path to leadership excellence.
Section 1: Leadership of Self
Cultivating the essence of leadership
In your pivotal role, you understand that leadership begins from within. The Path Forward Leadership Workshop is crafted to guide your leaders through a reflective and transformative journey. As they engage with the core of their leadership identity, they’ll lay the groundwork for inspiring and guiding their teams to new heights.
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Your leaders will be invited to consciously choose the path of leadership—a decision that marks the beginning of a life-changing journey.
Core Concepts
• A conscious commitment to lead, embracing the inherent challenges.
• The power of vision to direct efforts and inspire action.
• Thriving within the creative tension that accompanies authentic leadership.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will develop a deep commitment to their roles, facing challenges head-on.
• They will learn to articulate a vision that motivates and aligns the team or organization.
• They will foster an environment where positivity reigns, reducing tolerance for negativity.
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Authentic leadership is earned. We guide your leaders to cultivate trust and respect through authentic interaction and self-awareness.
Core Concepts
• The critical leadership skill of self-awareness.
• Managing the emotional impact they have on their teams.
• Authenticity in every leadership interaction.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will actively seek and utilize feedback to enhance their leadership presence.
• They will build more robust, trust-based relationships within the team.
• They will work diligently on personal growth areas, especially in interpersonal dynamics.
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Your leaders will learn to shape the culture that defines your organization's success consciously.
Core Concepts
• The profound role of organizational culture in performance and values.
• The foundational elements of culture are beliefs, values, norms, and language.
• Stewardship of the organizational culture, nurturing aspects that drive success.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will exhibit strategic thinking around culture's impact on organizational success.
• They will pay close attention to norms and values that guide team interactions.
• They will advocate for and challenge elements of the culture, as necessary, for growth.
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Leadership excellence requires a delicate balance between proactive action and reflective thought.
Core Concepts
• The importance of reflection for successful leadership.
• Prioritization skills to manage time effectively and stay focused on strategic goals.
• A purpose-driven approach to tasks and decisions.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will delegate more effectively, empowering their teams and focusing on the bigger picture.
• They will carve out strategic thinking and innovation time, ensuring your organization is always ahead of the curve.
Section 2: Leadership of Others
Amplifying impact through your team
As a leader in your field, you recognize that the growth of your organization is inextricably linked to the ability of your leaders to motivate, influence, and connect with their teams. The Path Forward leadership workshop is meticulously designed to equip your leaders with the tools and insights to unlock the potential of every team member.
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Motivation is the engine of productivity. We'll delve into the dynamics that unleash your leaders' teams' true commitment and potential.
Core Concepts
• Cultivating an environment where intrinsic motivation thrives over external incentives.
• Uncovering the six key 'shovels' of sustainable motivation.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will demonstrate a new commitment to nurturing a motivation-rich environment.
• You'll notice a surge in the motivation levels of direct reports as they become more engaged and driven.
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Influence is a subtle art. It's about making an impact without exerting force. This plank will guide your leaders on becoming architects of positive change.
Core Concepts
• Understanding the nuances of how leaders can drive meaningful change.
• Learning the difference between influence and coercion, with practical steps to enhance their impact.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will grow more influential, positively affecting their teams and the broader organization.
• They'll focus their energies on what they can shape and improve, leading to more compelling advocacy of their vision.
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Meaningful connections are the cornerstone of enduring leadership. This plank will help your leaders forge strong and heartfelt relationships.
Core Concepts
• Recognizing the power of relationships in creating or breaking team dynamics.
• Understanding the five roles that build a team's backbone and the five that add heart.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will cultivate healthier, more productive relationships within the team, with customers, and vendors.
• They will become adept at resolving conflicts, mending fissures, and strengthening team bonds.
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Communication is leadership expressed. This plank focuses on the essentials of effective communication for leaders.
Core Concepts
• Building a foundation for powerful and effective communication.
• Mastering the art of listening and processing information constructively.
• Speaking with clarity and impact.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will engage in active listening, fostering better understanding across all levels of conversation.
• They'll make sounder judgments that are well-supported and articulate their decisions with clear messaging.
Section 3: Leadership of TEAMS
Fostering unity and excellence
In this capstone section of the leadership workshop, your leaders will master the art of nurturing a team environment primed for success. They’ll learn to forge a unified direction, establish a culture of accountability, optimize processes, and build a lasting leadership legacy that transcends their tenure.
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Vision is the compass that guides teams toward unity and success.
Core Concepts
• Bridge-building across individuals, teams, and departments to foster a collaborative culture.
• The critical role of a shared vision in aligning values, goals, and decision-making processes.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will inspire 'team-positive' behaviors, fostering an environment where every member contributes to the collective goal.
• They will cultivate a team identity that values cohesiveness and unity, even among your most independently successful members.
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Accountability isn’t about oversight but empowering every team member to own their contributions fully.
Core Concepts
• Establishing clear, actionable, and agreed-upon objectives.
• Implementing effective follow-through strategies to ensure every agreement is met with excellence.
Behavioral Outcomes
• You'll see an elevation in accountability among team members, ensuring that everyone, from peers to supervisors, upholds their commitments.
• Projects will run more efficiently with expectations and directives communicated and adhered to.
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Great leaders understand that optimized processes are the foundation of consistent performance.
Core Concepts
• The significance of robust systems and processes in achieving strategic goals.
• Identifying and refining processes for peak efficiency.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will continuously improve processes, seeking and integrating feedback to enhance team workflows.
• They will become adept at recognizing and mitigating process 'traps' that impede progress.
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The accurate measure of a leader is the legacy they leave—a culture of growth and the development of future leaders.
Core Concepts
• Embracing lifelong learning and professional development beyond the workshop.
• Cultivating leadership at every level, expanding the potential of your organization.
Behavioral Outcomes
• Your leaders will dedicate time to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders within your organization.
• They will exhibit a renewed sense of confidence and commitment to their personal growth, setting a powerful example for all.
Through the Path Forward Leadership Workshop, your leaders will experience personal growth and be equipped to elevate their teams to higher levels of collaboration, productivity, and innovation. This journey will leave a lasting imprint, shaping a future where every team member can emerge as a leader in their right, driving your organization towards a legacy of excellence.
Strategic Framework: Inside the Workshop's Structure
At the heart of the Path Forward Leadership Workshop is a carefully crafted structure that goes beyond traditional instruction. It's a dynamic, interactive journey designed to fully engage your leaders and apply real-world scenarios that reinforce growth and development.
Here's how we structure the experience for your leaders.
Cohort Community
We initiate the process by bringing together a select group of no more than 12 participants, forming a 'community of practice.' This intimate setting fosters deep connections and allows for a hands-on approach to leadership development, focusing on reflection, dialogue, and feedback rather than lectures. Your leaders will progress through the Planks aligned with my book, "Land On Your Feet, Not On Your Face," underpinning the Path Forward LEADERSHIP PLATFORM® Model.
Inaugural Launch Session
The journey begins with an immersive four-hour Launch Session that lays the foundation for inclusive thinking, proactive responsibility, and mastering challenging conversations. This sets the tone for the workshop, embedding the principles your leaders will carry into their daily responsibilities over the next 13 months.
Ongoing Engagement and Support
Pre-Workshop Personalization Each of your leaders will receive one-on-one attention before we start. This personal engagement is crucial to build rapport, set expectations, and tailor the workshop to the unique culture of your organization.
Weekly Momentum Emails To keep the learning alive and applicable, your leaders will receive regular emails filled with tips and resources, ensuring the principles of the workshop are continuously at the forefront of their daily practice.
Monthly Interactive Sessions: Deepening Engagement and Accountability
Every month, your leaders will immerse themselves in a structured four-hour session of the Path Forward Leadership Workshop, led by a skilled faciltator and designed to deepen their engagement with the leadership material and each other.
Here’s a snapshot of what these sessions entail:
Check-In
We begin with leaders sharing a 'temperature check' to gauge their current state, discuss insights from the Mid-Month Momentum Meeting, and report on their progress with the 30-Day Commitments, setting a reflective tone for the session.
Engaging Dialogue
Each session features a thought-provoking question related to the month's focus. This discussion is not only an icebreaker but a catalyst for deeper understanding, as each leader shares their perspective and engages in group dialogue.
Personalized Learning
Leaders select and share passages from "Land On Your Feet, Not On Your Face" that resonate with them, explaining their relevance. This exercise emphasizes personal accountability in the learning process and ensures that key concepts are internalized.
Focused Facilitator Insights
The facilitator then presents the core concepts of the month's Plank. This concise presentation ensures clarity and retention of the material.
Real-World Application
Leaders report on their 'Making It Real' activities, where they apply workshop principles in real work settings. This period prompts discussion, allowing leaders to learn from each other's experiences.
Commitment to Action
The session concludes with each leader making a commitment to specific, measurable actions for the next 30 days, based on their learning. This creates a roadmap for accountability and ensures that insights translate into tangible results. The emphasis with action commitments is on experiential learning and accountability to the learning process and to the other members of the cohort. Adult learning is dependent on fast application to current circumstances and reflection on experience. These monthly commitments are not only a linchpin in the learning process, but they also create immediate organizational benefit in terms of new approaches to problems, new creativity in seeking solutions, and bottom-line impacts. This is an opportunity for growing leaders to try new things, and to do so in an environment of challenge and support.
Mid-Month Momentum Meetings
Between sessions, your leaders will take charge of their development through cohort-led meetings. This reinforces accountability and allows for sharing of successes and challenges. These meetings are essential for maintaining momentum and are a testament to the ongoing commitment to growth.
Making it Real Activities
The monthly assignments are directly related to the curriculum and give the learners an opportunity to reflect and share what they see in the organization, what they are willing to do to create change, and what they feel most challenged by,
The Workshop Facilitator reviews all assignments and engages in meaningful and challenging dialog with the learner in response to the learner’s reflections. These assignments therefore provide an additional point of coaching and mentoring on an individual basis to complement the learning that occurs in the group setting.
Leadership in Action
Monthly Reflection with Supervisors
Each leader is encouraged to engage in a dedicated monthly discussion with their supervisor, focusing on their learning journey. This regular check-in ensures alignment and supports the translation of workshop insights into leadership action.
Commitment from your organization
Commitment from your leaders and support from their managers and your organizational culture are pivotal to this program.
Whether in-person, virtually, or through a hybrid model, the workshop is designed to be adaptable while maintaining its effectiveness. The goal is to ensure each of your leaders makes good on their commitments and experiences a genuine evolution in their leadership capabilities.
Immediate and Enduring Benefits
The Path Forward Leadership Workshop delivers immediate, tangible value to your organization by equipping your leaders with practical skills and strategies applicable to current work challenges.
Here's how the workshop translates into real-world benefits.
Dynamic Learning and Application
Intensive Community Learning
Your leaders will participate in rich dialogue within their cohort, transforming regular learning experiences into opportunities for growth.
Leadership in Practice
Between sessions, your leaders will conduct behavioral experiments, applying new concepts directly to their roles.
Feedback-Driven Development
Peer and coworker feedback is integrated regularly, ensuring your leaders' growth is responsive to their environment.
Spiral Curriculum
Core concepts are revisited and reinforced over time, enabling deeper understanding and application.
360° Accountability
A comprehensive structure of accountability ensures that your leaders embody their learning sustainably, positively influencing both the team and organizational culture.
This holistic approach ensures leadership is not just learned but lived, requiring a reasonable investment of time for significant returns.
Cohort Collaboration and Organizational Impact
Enhanced Communication
Through active dialogue, your leaders practice and refine communication skills, directly benefiting workplace interactions.
Teamwork Mastery
They develop strategies that break down silos, promoting effective teamwork.
Cultural Cohesion
The workshop fosters a stronger cultural bond across management layers, creating a ripple effect that enhances the entire organization.
Leadership Transformation
By the workshop's conclusion, your leaders will have significantly advanced the following:
Self-Awareness and Management Gaining insights into their behaviors and effectively self-regulating.
Strategic Thinking Adopting a long-term, strategic approach to leadership.
Accountability Uplifting their commitment to their roles and responsibilities.
Collegial Respect Earning increased respect and positive regard from their peers.
Communication Mastering clear, effective, and inspirational communication.
Inspirational Leadership Boosting their ability to motivate and forge connections.
Team Development Enhancing their capability to build and lead high-performing teams.
Supportive Environment Creating conditions that challenge and enable others to achieve excellence.
Our adaptable workshop format, prioritizing peer dialogue and experiential learning over traditional lectures, is designed to be equally impactful for leaders at all levels—from the C-suite to mid-level and even entry-level managers.
Meet Jim Hessler: The Guiding Force Behind the Path Forward Leadership Workshop
At the helm of the Path Forward Leadership Workshop stands Jim Hessler, whose journey from a salesman to a Fortune 150 executive by the age of 36 epitomizes leadership in action. Jim's career is a testament to his relentless pursuit of leadership excellence, marked by significant strides in sales, management, and strategic executive roles.
From Corporate Success to Thought Leadership
Jim's path is characterized by his deep introspection into the nature of leadership and is renowned for his business savvy, relational prowess, and strategic foresight. His transition into corporate turnaround initiatives and leadership consulting was driven by a fervent desire to alleviate workplace challenges and bolster productivity.
A Visionary's Answer to Leadership Development
Confronted with the gaps in traditional leadership training—programs that often failed to produce sustainable growth in leaders' skills and, crucially, their character—Jim was propelled to action. He envisioned and then crafted the Path Forward Leadership Workshop, a comprehensive yearlong journey designed to transform leaders at the core of their being, shaping who they are rather than merely what they do.
The LEADERSHIP PLATFORM® Model
Jim's innovative LEADERSHIP PLATFORM® model is the backbone of the workshop. It lays out a structured path covering the 12 critical 'planks' of leadership development, encompassing self-leadership, leading others, and leading teams. This model is brought to life in the book "Land On Your Feet, Not On Your Face," which serves as the foundational text for the workshop.
An Evolving Legacy
Jim's commitment to leadership development is unwavering, and the workshop is a living embodiment of this. It is continuously refined, adapting to new insights and the evolving needs of leaders, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of leadership development. Under Jim's stewardship, the workshop has become a beacon for those aspiring to lead with integrity, empathy, and vision.
With Jim Hessler at the forefront, the Path Forward Leadership Workshop is more than an educational program—it's a transformative experience that equips leaders to create a positive and lasting impact in their organizations and beyond.
LICENSE MODEL
For large organizations, we offer a license model. Please contact us for more information.