ABOUT
What do we mean by “leadership”? What are the experiences and attributes that make a good leader? This program introduces participants to the basics of moving into a leadership role.
This series will introduce participants to the ideals of leadership. In conversation with subject matter experts as well as guest speakers, these sessions will help participants to set goals towards becoming a leader in their chosen career path.
This career-building program focuses on developing leadership skills as opposed to focusing on "business". It is intended as an introduction to prepare participants to transition from a non-management position into an effective leadership role.
Benefits include answers to these questions:
What does leadership mean to me? How do my skills and drive fit into the leadership picture?
What is my management style, and how can I make it work for me?
How can I learn how to more effectively, efficiently, and powerfully communicate up and down the "chain of command"?
What exactly is my area of expertise? How can I manage my reputation so everyone knows I am a subject matter expert?
DATES
The Leadership Development Series is comprised of four sessions (your fee pays for all sessions):
LOCATION
Centre for Social Innovation (192 Spadina)
The Bigger Bolder Room
(main floor)
FEES
WIFT Toronto Members: $500 + hst
Non Members: $650 + hst
One (1) Scholarship will be available to cover program fees for one individual for this program and is made available through the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto.
*This fee pays for ALL four sessions
ELIGIBILITY
This program is geared toward mid-level media professionals as well as those re-entering the work force or looking to transition within the industry into management.
Target participants: Junior Series Producer, Line Producer, Story Editor, Showrunner, and those looking to move into Executive Producer or Broadcast Executive.
NOTE: while the focus of the program will be on building skills and confidence for women, women-identifying, non-binary, and all equity-seeking participants, ALL GENDERS ARE WELCOME!
Those looking to apply for our Media Leadership Program will find this series a terrific introduction.
Questions about whether or not this Series is for you? Email Laurie Januska, Director of Programming.
SESSIONS & INSTRUCTORS
Session One – Friday November 22, 2024
The Essential Foundations of Leadership
- What do we mean when we say “leadership”?
- What are the characteristics of a successful leader? Figuring out who you are and who you want to be
- How do you see yourself in the greater landscape? What do you bring to the picture?
- What are your strengths and challenges?
- How can you leverage your strengths? How can you build on your challenges?
- What is your management style and how does it serve you?
- Basic management skills
- What is your motivation and how does it serve you? What are your obstacles?
Session Two – Friday November 29, 2024
Growth Strategies and Team Building
- Critical and strategic thinking, in both big and small scenarios
- Building a strategy for yourself to move forward
- The importance and power of networking (part 1)
- Leading various departments (with different needs) efficiently and effectively
- Managing up and down the organizational chart
- Learning the difference between “personal goals” and “leadership vision”
- Crafting your leadership vision
- Imposter syndrome – what is it and how do you overcome it?
Session Three – Wednesday December 4, 2024
Communications, and How Your Technique Serves You
- Making a powerful impression (in all ways)
- Carrying yourself with authority
- Delivering consistent messaging
- “Clear is kind”
- Keeping your communications on point
- Giving constructive criticism
- Asking for what you need
- Exploring more “soft skills”
- Making “leadership presence” your second nature
- The impact of your verbal skills and how to focus them for success
- The impact of your written skills and how to focus them for success
Session Four – Friday December 13, 2024
Moving Yourself Forward
- How to best handle an interview
- Characteristics of an impressive resume
- Preparing an “elevator pitch” for yourself
- How to negotiate for yourself and others
- Contract/salary negotiations
- Conflict resolution
- The importance and power of networking (part 2)
- Learning how to thrive in an organization
- Avoiding leadership “blind spots”
- Using motivation to lead others
- Differences of Executive leadership
Session instructors include Diana Kawarsky and Hugh Wilson (from The Soft Skills Group) and Erin Haig (Blue Ant Media), plus guest speakers TBA.