NAMIC Leadership Seminar

Curriculum

The NAMIC Leadership Seminar curriculum is composed of the following modules, each of which is supplemented by readings and hands-on exercises:

Experiences of Managers of Color

This module examines common experiences among managers and supervisors of color, particularly in the communications industry. Participants have an opportunity to introduce themselves, outline their goals for the program, and begin the process of enhancing their professional networks.

Leadership Styles

The focus of this module is to discover participants’ personal leadership styles and to foster an understanding of how to adapt their natural styles for maximum effectiveness in achieving organizational and team goals. The discussion highlights the leadership styles of various historical figures, emphasizing the relative strengths of each in making a unique contribution to the world.

Career Design

Here, participants examine their professional goals and begin the important task of drafting a blueprint for success. They assess their skills, inclinations, and talents, and utilize a career-design grid to arrive at a better understanding of the strategic building blocks required for constructing a solid career plan.

Team Leadership

The Team Leadership module explores the concepts of effective team design and team leadership, including the methods by which leaders harness the knowledge, skills, abilities, and team resources to make good decisions. Participants evaluate their team leadership skills and identify effective measures for leading diverse and cross-functional teams.

Leadership and Effective Use of Power

This module dissects the notion of power: Who needs it? How does one acquire it? How does one effectively exercise it? What use does one make of it? Participants study the various types and sources of power, and how to prepare for the responsibilities and opportunities that power engenders.

Mentoring/Networking/Sponsoring

A significant contact network is crucial to professional success. This is especially true for professionals of color. The mentoring module examines how to establish and benefit from a powerful developmental connection with a seasoned industry professional. Participants learn how to identify a mentor and how to enter into and capitalize on this important relationship. Particular attention is given to the role the mentee plays in assuring that the relationship has depth, momentum, and purpose.