ULead participants lead and learn through unprecedented times

Working from home during a pandemic, staffing reductions, increasing mental health concerns and evolving budgets. These are just some of the challenges University of Calgary leaders have been navigating over the past year. Luckily, UCalgary offers a program to help leaders successfully manage during challenging scenarios, while also enhancing their skills.

ULead is a 10-month program where experienced leaders strengthen their leadership capacity and skills through interactive peer-to-peer learning. Julien Poirier, senior specialist, energy performance in UCalgary’s Facilities department was part of the most recent cohort.

“Being part of a cohort is the greatest benefit of ULead,” says Poirier. “Being able to discuss challenges with other UCalgary leaders helps to connect the ULead seminars to real-life experience. Knowing that UCalgary leaders all face similar challenges, I now have a network of people across campus I can reach out to for advice.”

Congratulations to this latest ULead cohort! We value your commitment to enhancing our university operations, and the impact of your leadership during these unprecedented times.

- President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley

ULead participants are selected annually through an application process. Twenty-five leaders are accepted into each cohort. Participants engage in a variety of development workshops and opportunities, including informal presentations from members of UCalgary’s senior leadership team. Two prerequisite courses are required to participate: Leading Self and The Leadership Challenge.

“ULead is an amazing program where UCalgary leaders gain coaching skills to enhance their working relationships, while also increasing their self-awareness through a 360 self-assessment,” says Heather Burns, ULead program manager.

Over 200 UCalgary leaders have completed the program, which was launched in 2014. In addition to receiving accolades from participants, other Canadian and U.S. universities have recognized ULead as a best-in-practice leadership development program.

Questions about ULead? Due to COVID-19, the program is undergoing some changes. Stay tuned to the ULead website for updates.

ULead is one of many different leadership development resources offered for university employees. Check out the HR Training and Development website for details on other offerings.