Friday, March 8, 2019

APPD LEAD

Just over a year ago an email about APPD LEAD popped up in my inbox. I had heard about it at APPD meetings and had seen information about it on the website, but didn't really know much about it. Around that same time, I was in search of a leadership training program that would enhance the skills I already have while teaching me some new tricks. Two of my colleagues said that APPD LEAD would be a great fit for me and I should go for it.

What the heck, right? Turns out that was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

The LEAD in APPD LEAD stands for Leadership in Educational Academic Development. Its intended audience is program directors, associate program directors, and fellowship directors. It is an intense, 9-month program aimed at several different facets of a program administrator's life - curriculum development, organizational leadership, professional development, and scholarship. 

My involvement in LEAD has changed me in ways I never would have otherwise imagined. Every ounce of it has been with purpose and has been meaningful to me both personally and professionally. Each activity is carefully curated with a specific purpose in mind. It is a small group which makes developing relationships (especially to this classic introvert) facile. I have received incredible guidance and mentoring through LEAD, and I am vastly more confident now in my skills as a leader than I was last year at this time.

I have no idea where my career will take me, but what I learned through LEAD will stay with me forever.

I could proselytize more, but you can click here and learn more about APPD LEAD!