About Lead Sooner: Cultivating Conscious Leadership

Lead Sooner is an annual eight (8) month leadership development program that engages up to twenty-four (24) university leaders across all OU campuses to enhance their leadership skills. Those accepted into the program will develop close professional relationships with their cohort members, volunteer in their community, and learn from and network with other leaders within the university. Through the program, participants experience self-improvement that enhances their leadership skills, creating a foundation for continuous personal and professional growth. Lead Sooner is committed to providing a program that is accessible to the widest possible audience.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the below criteria to be considered for Lead Sooner:

2022 performance review must be at the "MEETS EXPECTATIONS" or higher level AND must be on file with the Office of Human Resources
OU staff members who have been with the university for a minimum of one year
Held a leadership position at OU for at least one year
Direct supervisor of a staff or student employee(s), be a team lead, or program manager

Session Dates

Thursday, September 7^th Welcome Session (Norman/Memorial Union) (9:00 – Noon)

Thursday, September 21^st Team Challenge Day (OAR/Edmond) (9:00 – 3:00)

Thursday, October 12^th Self-Awareness; Self-Management (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, November 9^th Adaptability (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, December 7^th Integrity, Self-Development (8:30 – 11:30)

2024

Thursday, January 11^th Vision Casting; Making Decisions; Solving Problems (8:30 – 11:30)

Thursday, February 8^th Relationship Management (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, March 7^th Communication (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, March 21^st Leading Up Without A Title (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, April 11^th Feed the Children Volunteer Activity (OKC) (9:00 – 11:00)

Thursday, April 22^nd Developing Others as Employees and Leaders (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, May 2^nd Graduation (Faculty House/OKC) (9:00 – 11:00)

Program Dates

Thursday, September 7^th Welcome Session (Norman/Memorial Union) (9:00 – Noon)

Thursday, September 21^st Team Challenge Day (OAR/Edmond) (9:00 – 3:00)

Thursday, October 12^th Self-Awareness; Self-Management (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, November 9^th Adaptability (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, December 7^th Integrity, Self-Development (8:30 – 11:30)

2024

Thursday, January 11^th Vision Casting; Making Decisions; Solving Problems (8:30 – 11:30)

Thursday, February 8^th Relationship Management (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, March 7^th Communication (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, March 21^st Leading Up Without A Title (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, April 11^th Feed the Children Volunteer Activity (OKC) (8:30 – 11:30)

Thursday, April 22^nd Developing Others as Employees and Leaders (8:30 – 10:30)

Thursday, May 2^nd Graduation (Faculty House/OKC) (9:00 – 11:00)

Expectations

Those who are accepted to Lead Sooner are expected to attend ALL sessions. Please do not apply if you cannot attend all sessions. Missing more than 3 hours (cumulative) will result in the participant being removed from the program. Note: Failure to attend all sessions will result in dismissal and the employee's department will incur a $135 fee.

In addition to in-person sessions, members of Lead Sooner will be required to complete interpersonal tasks and assignments in between meetings including but not limited to:

Assessments: Particularly at the beginning of the program, participants will complete assessments that will be the foundation of developing their leadership skills and understanding.

Reflections: Participants will be required to submit written reflections on different topics and discussion points presented in sessions. Presentations will be expected by members throughout the sessions, based on specific session topics.

Community Service Activity: Participants will participate in a community service activity with the Feed the Children facility in Oklahoma City.

Challenge Day: Participants will participate in a Challenge Course comprised of a combination of outdoor and indoor physical activities at OAR (Outdoor Adventure Recreation) in Edmond. The activities are accessible to all ability levels.

FAQs

1. How does the selection process work?

Completed applications and all required documents are reviewed and scored by a tri-campus external selection committee. Any documents not submitted will result in a deduction in scoring. See the Application link on the right side of the page for all necessary documents.

2. Is there a cost associated with Lead Sooner?

The cost of attending is covered by Human Resources; however, participants' departments will incur a $135 fee if the participant withdraws from the program with less than 48 hours’ notice of the first session date, or if they miss more than 3 hours (cumulative) of the scheduled workshops.

3. How much time outside of the scheduled sessions will I be committing to the program?

Learning styles, schedules, and team dynamics vary on an individual basis; therefore, it is difficult to predict. You may refer to the above Expectations tab to view a summary of coursework and make an inference based on your information processing style.

4. Is a professional recommendation required ?

Yes. Even if your reference letter comes from another member of your supervisory line, your direct supervisor must approve your participation in the program. Not submitting a recommendation letter will result in a deduction in total scoring. (Supervisor approval is required to participate in the program.)

5. What if I know I can’t attend the session on one of the dates?

Please do not apply if you know you have a scheduling conflict with any of the session dates. Missing more than 3 hours (cumulative) of the scheduled workshops will result in a participant being removed from the program and their department incurring a fee of $135.

About Lead Sooner: Cultivating Conscious Leadership

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