– Paula Mitchell
Paula Mitchell, one of the leading designers of the MCLP curriculum, says she’s noticed development among the participants and with the program as a whole. She emphasizes the importance of on-going curriculum development.
“When we first came together as a project team to define the MCLP curriculum, we had identified and researched the need. The next step was to determine what we could offer in response. Then each year, MCLP actively solicits feedback from participants, sponsors, advisors, board members, and surrounding area businesses to tweak and fine-tune those offerings. The curriculum evolves and is getting better each year.“
To Mitchell, the heart of the MCLP curriculum lies in the opportunity for leaders to develop self-awareness. Since the components of the curriculum are based upon a model of emotional intelligence, each participant discovers personal strengths and weaknesses. “Discovering strengths is powerful and enables participants to leverage these in their workplace and community at large. Leadership is all about relating to people, and that requires becoming self-aware, in order to self-manage within diverse social settings.”
Past success isn’t enough to continue to drive the MCLP program forward. “We need to continually improve the curriculum by paying attention to what participants respond to, what they find interesting, applicable and genuinely helpful“, said Mitchell.
Keeping an ongoing relationship with corporate sponsors is also key. “It’s important for us to learn what their needs are in terms of their workforce, and then incorporate those needs into the curriculum. That way, we’re providing a good return on investment to MCLP corporate sponsors,” said Mitchell.
Members of MCLP have a unique opportunity. They’re immersed into an environment that allows them to work with leaders from all walks of life. According to Mitchell, “It adds an interesting twist as MCLP class participants become self-aware and are able to share their observations and test their insights in a multi-culturally diverse setting.“