The following is part one of a ten part series on developing corporate leadership development programs.

1. How does the program link to organizational goals/strategic objectives?

Why/How will leadership development help us get where we want to go? Is it the answer? In other words, what are our organizational objectives and how will leadership development assist an organization in meeting those objectives? Defining the strategic imperative for leadership development is an important step in the overall process. In addition, what organizational resources are being committed to the project? Moreover, who will be developing the program? Is it an individual who will get to it “when they can” or an individual who truly knows leadership development? – SJA

Looking to benchmark your leadership programming for collegians? A great place to start your search is NC State’s Center for Student Leadership, Ethics & Public Service. The Center offers tips, resources, program descriptions, a newsletter and a host of other resources. Take a look at this excellent template for any student-related leadership program. – SJA

A great resource for up-to-date thinking on business related news and issues is the Harvard Business School Working Knowledge for Business Leaders. According to the website, “HBS Working Knowledge is a forum for innovation in business practice, offering readers a first look at cutting-edge thinking and the opportunity to both influence and use these concepts before they enter mainstream management practice.” The website has a number of leadership and management articles that can be used in any number of settings. Sign up by clicking here. – SJA

Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland has been hailed by virtually all who have seen his performance. Personally, I hope he wins the Oscar for Best Actor this evening. His performance is riveting and exemplifies more than one kind of Bad Leadership as defined by Barbara Kellerman. As I imagined, the film is quite difficult to watch at times. However, the film highlights an individual who is at times incompetent, rigid, intemperate, callous, corrupt, insular and evil. According to Kellerman, there are many kinds of Bad Leaders – my observation is that Amin was all of them wrapped into one. – SJA

After reading this short post, surf on over to The MASIE Center – The MASIE Center is an international e-Lab and ThinkTank located in Saratoga Springs, NY, dedicated to exploring the intersection of learning and technology. The MASIE Center provides research, perspectives, training, learning products and consulting about these issues, for major corporations & technology providers around the world (Source: Center Website). You can sign up for the newsletter, download podcasts or register for the learning opportunities offered by the Center. This is learning on the cutting edge. – SJA