For the past ten months, more than 20 UNMC faculty from multiple units gathered monthly for focused conversation and coaching on leadership.
The inaugural Taking the Lead program, hosted by UNMC Faculty Development and Kyle Meyer, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions and co-author of the book “Taking the Lead: A Guide for Emerging Leaders in Academic Medical Centers,” concluded on May 14. Each session featured dialogue and coaching questions to elevate leaders’ performance.
In March, a separate cohort of faculty concluded a 12-week group coaching program, “Power & Politics at Work: Creating and Navigating Workplace Culture,” led by author, coach and consultant Mira Brancu, PhD.
“I cannot speak highly enough about the ‘Power & Politics’ program,” said Karen Gould, PhD, a participant and professor and vice chair for faculty development in the UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy. “Our weekly sessions allowed our cohort to realize that we are not alone in the challenges we face and created a safe environment to generate solutions.
“Dr. Brancu was an incredibly insightful guide through these conversations.”
With participants finding great value in both programs, UNMC Faculty Development will offer these programs again in 2024-2025 academic year.
Details and applications are available on the Faculty Development website. Applications are due by July 15 for Taking the Lead and by Oct. 15 for Power & Politics.
Windy Alonso, PhD, a Taking the Lead participant and assistant professor in the UNMC College of Nursing-Omaha Division, said she applied to the program because she wanted to network with colleagues from across UNMC’s colleges and gain perspective on the nuances of leadership at an academic medical center.
“I gained this — and more,” Dr. Alonso said. “In fact, our sessions became one of the highlights of my month. I left every session feeling uplifted with new knowledge to help me navigate the academic medical center environment.”
UNMC Faculty Development also is accepting applications to its premier iLEAD program —a year-long leadership development investment. Applications for iLEAD are due Sept. 1, 2024, for the cohort that will run from July 2025 through June 2026.
This was a great experience! I would encourage anyone who is wondering if they should sign up to do it! I met some really authentic leaders and looked forward to our discussions every month.