What does it take to be an effective leader in today's fast-paced and constantly-changing world? Articulate a vision, help others to understand it, and provide the context, support, and environment that allows people to move towards the vision.

That's the advice of Debbie Payne, an instructor with the new UCFV Community and Workplace Leadership certificate program.

"Becoming an effective leader starts with learning about leading people in teams, supporting them through change, and examining leadership history and the emerging themes," says Payne. "It also involves learning about effective communication, problem-solving, and how leaders act and apply their leadership in practice."

Payne is one of five Community and Workplace Leadership instructors with an Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, and she is excited about bringing professional leadership training to the Fraser Valley.

"By taking this program, participants will learn not only about leadership, but also how to apply leadership in their community and workplace in such a way as to benefit themselves, their colleagues, and the organization they work for."

According to UCFV Continuing Education program director Cheryl Isaac, this program is suitable for people involved in business, education, health, recreation, social services, and the volunteer sector. 

"We have had many employers and employees alike tell us they were looking for a program that integrated the theories of effective leadership with practice," says Isaac. "This program will greatly help individuals understand leadership, communication, problem-solving, group dynamics, and change in the community or workplace."

The part-time program features six courses and a leadership project, with all classes taking place on Saturdays on the Abbotsford campus. Prior learning assessment may be applied to a maximum of two courses in the program, by way of transfer of credit, challenge, or portfolio. Acceptance into the program is by application.

Courses include Foundations of Leadership, Leadership and Communication, Leadership and Creative Problem Solving, Leading the Team, Leadership for Change, and Leadership in Action.

The final course, the Leadership Project, is an opportunity for participants to apply their leadership skills to an actual workplace situation. Participants will be required to develop, implement, and evaluate a project where the qualities of their leadership style are examined in relation to both the theory and their practice.

For more information on entrance requirements, fees, grading, workload, and how to apply contact Cheryl Isaac at (604) 854-4576 or (604) 792-0025, local 4576, or visit the website at www.ucfv.bc.ca/ce/certificates/cwl.htm.

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