Unique opportunity for UCalgary leaders to invest in their future

Since launching in 2013, the ULead program has helped more than 150 University of Calgary MaPS employees develop valuable leadership skills and grow their professional networks. 

All eligible MaPS employees are encouraged to submit their applications by June 3. Successful applicants will join 25 of their peers in a 10-month-long program designed to help experienced leaders invest in their own future. 

The program “was a true gift to really see where I have strengths and where my strengths could be seen as weaknesses,” says Denise Howitt, manager of EHS Systems and Compliance, Environmental Health and Safety, one of 20 members of the current ULead cohort. “It let me know where to focus my efforts in terms of my continued growth as a people and project leader.” 

ULead helps participants develop leadership skills and competencies, build coaching skills, and strengthen leadership effectiveness. It also provides peer-to-peer learning and relationship-building opportunities across campus.

“It’s a great opportunity for our experienced leaders to really enhance their skills,” says Heather Burns, ULead program manager with Talent Development. “We want our managers to strive for excellence and to be the ones to help lead the UCalgary community forward.”

The program includes a 360-degree self-assessment and debrief, the creation of a development plan, and learnings about the power and science of coaching and how to develop high-performance teams, as well as how to lead through influence and facilitate change. The program concludes with a final assessment and steps on how to continue to grow and develop.

“The program has led to a lot of discussions with my own team about how we could do things differently,” says Howitt. “It has allowed me to identify new opportunities and to collaborate with those outside of my department on common initiatives that can benefit all of us. 

“It’s a commitment, but it’s a wonderful opportunity and worthwhile investment in myself, my team and our effectiveness.”

Check out the timeline for a full breakdown of the program, and apply today.