July 4, 2011 by Tammy   In my recent adventures in the blogosphere, I came across an interesting article by Dan McCarthy.  He is supposedly one of the best leadership development consultants in the US, and his blog is HIGHLY rated.
Here is the link to the training template: http://www.greatleadershipbydan.com/2011/06/free-leadership-development-program.html
The title of this program is:

Becoming an Great Leader

A self-study leadership development program for aspiring leaders

Designed by Dan McCarthy, author of Great Leadership

It is a 20 week program (In my case it will probably last 6 months or more), and although he keeps touting it as being free, it does have some costs associated with it.  These costs include the cost of a journal (although you could join me and blog about your journey, and blog for free), the cost of the books (this cost also can be minimized through borrowing or renting from libraries or members of management who have already read the books), time necessary to do the activities, and the movies.

This program has been divided up into 7 Modules and a Review component (below is a summary from the original blog post by Dan McCarty, for more details return to the link above).  That results in a 2 week average for each module, and allows time for some overlap or lengthy breaks.  Dan has outlined some simple preparation steps:

1. Buy a “learning journal”. You’ll use this to take notes throughout the program. Read this post for more on learning journals: “Learning Journals for Leadership Development“. Cost: $15.00, can be purchased at any office supply store or online at Amazon.  As I stated earlier, an excellent way for you to do this for free is start to make use of your Blog.  This allows you to share your experiences with others, be accountable by doing the activities in a group, and allow those of you who are introverts to take part without having to personally step out into the limelight.2. Participation in this program is only for serious and committed students of leadership. If you are not willing to invest at least 40 hours of your time, then don’t bother starting.  Realize that it may take you longer than 20 weeks, but if you can find the time, it will be worth the effort.3. Schedule time. In order for this program to work, you need to treat it like an appointment. Block out 2 hours per week for the next 20 weeks, or more until the program is completed. If you are more spontaneous like I am, just make yourself accountable to finish the task.  Sometimes life does not allow for easy scheduling of personal improvement projects, so just commit to yourself that you will finish.

4. Decide if you want to complete the program alone or with a partner. The advantage of taking it with a partner, or study group (no more than 4) is to share your insights, coach each other, and keep each other motivated. The disadvantage is it will take some coordination and cooperation, and the introverts may not prefer this method. As you can see I am completing the task with a partner or group!  I am hoping that a few people will jump on board with me for this adventure.  If not those that follow me, will see as I learn from my mistakes, and continue on my road to self-improvement.

5. Create a folder on your computer, Nook, IPad, or use an old fashioned 3-ring binder to keep track of documents, books, feedback, reports, etc… This and your journal are your course materials.

Please remember that all Program information is from Dan McCarthy, I will try my best to make my comments separate from Dan’s and refer you back to his excellent blog where necessary.
Now that we are ready to begin…

Module One: building a foundation

1. Write a goal statement.
Why are you interested in learning more about leadership? What’s your motivation? Think about it, write a draft, reflect, and refine. This should be your vision, your north star, something that will keep you motivated to complete the program. Write it in your journal.

My Initial Goal Statement:
I am interested in learning more about leadership, not because I want to be in a management position one day, but because I want to be a person that helps lead others to attaining their goals.  I believe my primary motivation is to be of service to others.2. Learn from the leadership “gurus”.
There are an overwhelming number of models and theories about leadership. While there is no single “bible” for leadership, you have to start somewhere. You’ll need some context before you can begin to identify and talk to role models, get feedback, practice, and set specific development goals. While I know leaders that read one leadership book a month, we’ll start with three:- The Leadership Challenge , by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (used, $10.00) (I still have this book!! And lets just say it is VERY overdue, but I great resource I highly recommend it.)

- On Becoming a Leader , by Warren Bennis (used, $10.00)  (I could not get into this book although I truly tried).

- What Leaders Really Do , by John Kotter (used, $10.00) (I did not agree with everything in this book, and like the one previous it was dry and hard to get into for me)

Dan states “As you read each book, jot down insights in your journal. You should end up with at least 2 pages of notes per book.” I cannot read a book within 2 hours (unless really short < 50 pages) so these books will take time to complete beyond the allotted time frame mentioned above.  And as I post some of my next few posts you will realize that if a book is truly impacting you, your journal will get a LOT fuller.  Read at your own pace and complete them when you are able, and take as many notes as you need to grow and learn.

Well, now I must go out and try to find the first book.  While I do that, I highly recommend that any people joining me on this journey read the book: