Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program brings together a class of up to 40 rising stars from our state’s public, private, government, education, and nonprofit sectors and gives them the skills and tools they need to advance in their careers. Selected participants will complete a six-month program (June – November) of monthly learning sessions guided by a facilitator and leaders from various industries around the state.

As a highly diverse cohort of forward-thinking individuals, the class will have the opportunity to form lifelong bonds with their classmates and become part of Leadership Maryland’s powerful alumni network. To further guide their professional future, participants will also have the choice to receive mentorship from a Leadership Maryland alum who has completed our Executive Program.

Program Overview

The program consists of five one-day sessions, beginning with an orientation. This session is designed to foster interpersonal relationships among the members of the class to bring the group together as one team. The proceeding sessions will each feature an interactive morning of training focused on a specific learning topic and led by our facilitator. Each afternoon will include a panel discussion and Q&A featuring leaders from across the state reflecting on their own leadership styles, followed by a small group discussion to debrief and unpack the topics of the day. The program will conclude with a closing retreat to pull together all of the topics learned and how to apply these lessons in future settings. 
The Emerging Leader program takes a holistic approach to leadership development that is focused on helping participants:
  • Foster greater self-awareness to accelerate development and build learning agility through self-assessments and reflection activities.  
  • Use research-based frameworks to assess & improve team effectiveness and leadership competencies. Participants will gain a common set of terms, tools, and experiences for leaders to bring back to their organizations. 
  • Learn through applying concepts, models, and tools in challenging and new situations to stretch and increase capability. Participants will have opportunities to practice and share with peers in a safe environment.
  • Encourage continuous learning with a greater focus on collaborative peer sharing and learning. Our program allocates time in each session to share experiences and get advice on challenges with peers.
  • In addition, our program engages each participant’s manager, allowing them to deepen their coaching skills and accelerate the development of their employee.

Program goals

Participants in Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program will walk away with a strong foundational knowledge of leadership. Our goal is for each participant to:
  • Accelerate their development through greater self-awareness;
  • Learn faster with opportunities for action and reflection;
  • Drive behavior change through practice and reinforcement;
  • Develop and grow when genuinely willing to learn from coaching and feedback;
  • Engage as teachers with a teachable point of view;
  • Learn with and through others by connecting, collaborating, and sharing;
  • Exponentially grow when engaged in challenging situations and learn how to adapt;
  • Link critical competencies with strategy and drive business outcomes;
  • Get leaders to think differently, act differently, and be different (role modeling);
  • Prepare for significant career advancement in the coming years;
  • Develop a network of relationships with a cross-section of leaders, a trusting circle of friends and colleagues;
  • Become a committed member of the Leadership Maryland family beyond the program year;
  • Have fun!

Who should apply

The Emerging Leader Program is open to high-potential employees who are poised for upward growth within their organizations and who are eager to hone their core leadership skills. We seek individuals who are advancing in their careers, are actively involved in their communities, and desire to become a stronger leader in both areas.

Applicant Criteria:
  • Mid-level and above leaders with significant achievements in career and the volunteer community
  • Committed to your growth and personal development
  • Expressed willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to complete the program
  • Full support of the organization or business applicant represents
  • Additional consideration given to graduates of county/regional leadership programs
  • Each class will reflect a cross-section of the state, to include diversity of geographic location, profession, ethnicity, age, and gender
  • A willingness to continue supporting the efforts of the organization after graduation
  • Applicant must work or live in Maryland
 
Special consideration will be given to Emerging Leader Program applications endorsed by an alum of Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program.