THE HIGH POTENTIAL LEADERS PROGRAM, presented by American Express and the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, is a leadership development program designed to provide the rising stars of nonprofit organizations with the skills needed to assume executive level responsibilities within the sector.
The program is designed to be an experience, not just a series of meetings. Participants have access to nonprofit leaders and opportunities to develop their peer networks and support systems. Special events, lectures, and scholarship opportunities are made available to participants throughout the year. Articles of interest are periodically provided, as well as networking/social events. The sessions are highly interactive and include case studies, discussions, small group work, and access to practical tools and knowledge designed to be immediately deployable in your organization.
SESSIONS INCLUDE:
HPDL - Welcome Aboard!
March 3, 2010
The first session is a full day for participants, beginning at 8:30 and ending at 4:00. This will include:
“Welcome” to the program, including an introduction to Karen Beavor, CEO of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits
An overview of the program, including expectations of what students will have to commit to as participants of the program
An overview of the nonprofit market and current environment
An overview of Leadership and what it means to be a leader
Presentation and activities on “Finding the Leader in You”
Making Plans
April 14, 2010
9:00 - 12:00
A review of the different kinds of plans, when each is used, and the strengths / weakness of each. This includes Business Plans, Strategic Plans, Budgets, Capital Plans, and Scenario Planning. Discussions and activities focus on meeting goals that are set (not letting plans get filed away and not used), and what is meant by results-based planning.
Measuring Outcomes / Achieving Goals
May 26, 2010
9:00 - 12:00
Today’s nonprofits are faced with increased scrutiny from donors, the IRS, other regulatory agencies, and the public. This has lead to an emphasis on ensuring accountability. To do this, one must be able to first identify the proper measurements for their organization and then track them and the progress towards goal achievement. This session will also discuss the unique challenges faced by nonprofits in satisfying funders and driving strategy with performance measures.
Control Your Numbers or They Will Control You
June 30, 2010
9:00 - 12:00
Every leader must master the language of accounting and finance, know what questions to ask, and be able to evaluate the financial implications of their decisions and actions. This session will present an overview of nonprofit accounting and finance, with a focus on key reports that are used, key financial concepts, and key parts of IRS form 990. Learn how your operational decisions can impact your organization’s financial reports.
Communications / Telling Your Story
August 4, 2010
9:00 - 12:00
Just what is a communications strategy and does your organization need one? Is communications the same as marketing? How do you tell your story? This session will cover the art of communication, how to adapt your story for different audiences, cause communications, and different methods and channels of communication.
Leadership as a Personal Journey
September 22, 2010
9:00 - 1:30 (includes a lunch with presentation of HPDL Certificates)
Leadership is not a destination, it is a journey, and it is not always an easy or popular one. There are times when you will be making tough ethical and moral decisions. You will have to be able to motivate a diverse workforce and champion your team of employees and volunteers. You will need to identify future high-potential leaders, mentor them, and set a path for them. Most importantly, you will need to identify the kind of leader you want to be, and then lay a path to become just that.
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