Leadership Development Learning System-Phase One on Schedule

Phase One implementation of the ACS Leadership Development Learning System (LDLS) is moving along right on schedule, under the direction and coordination of the ACS Board Oversight Group for Leadership Development (BOG). This key underpinning of the ACS’ transformed training program for all Society volunteers is designed to prepare ACS members for current and future leadership roles with training on appropriate competencies useful not only in their ACS volunteer positions but valuable in the work world as well.

Shortly after the spring national meeting in Atlanta , the BOG and its Skills Implementation Working Group met with learning system and leadership skills development consultants to provide the ACS insights and perspectives necessary for the consultants to custom-tailor the Phase One learning assets to align with ACS-specific strategic goals, activities, and leadership opportunities. Two of this year’s modules are planned as e-mediated courses: The ACS and You and Articulating Personal Goals; the other three, Involving Volunteers,Coaching Volunteers, and Engaging Volunteers in Dialogue are designed for the facilitated workshop format. All three courses have been pilot tested with a diverse, cross-Society sampling of current and emerging ACS leaders representative of the various Society groups, both local and national. Their feedback will be utilized to refine these courses for implementation in the Leadership Development Learning Program.

At this same late spring BOG work session, the group also customized the LDLS’ built-in feedback mechanism -- the 360° assessment instrument -- to reflect the ACS culture and volunteer environment. This 360° tool was tested in conjunction with the piloting of the Extraordinary Leaders workshop, the training course designed for advanced leaders, prior to the fall national meeting. A diverse population of developing and advanced leaders representing the various ACS leadership arenas was invited to pilot this training asset designed for volunteers in intermediate to advanced leadership roles within the Society.

The Pipeline Working Group (PWG) held its own separate working session in June to define specifications for the Leadership Development Learning System’s web presence and access for entry into the ACS volunteer pipeline. The group also discussed marketing efforts for the new system, and developed a request for proposal to retain a qualified marketing/consulting firm to engage ACS members who aren’t involved yet, and employers who would allow and encourage these members to be involved in ACS activities. The PWG is also examining recognition efforts as a way to retain volunteers, and discussed methods by which local sections and divisions currently recognize members. Several suggestions to facilitate recognition of volunteers by sections and divisions that currently do not do so in any way were also examined.

At the fall national meeting in San Francisco, BOG members visited the various stakeholder groups at their committee meetings to update the members on the BOG’s activities and goals. As we proceed with the LDLS implementation, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of feedback. We invite your comments, input and participation in our implementation efforts. Send your thoughts to leaders@acs.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

Carol A. Duane and Eric C. Bigham, Co-chairs
ACS Board Oversight Group for Leadership Development

Back to Top Return to Newsletter