MANDEL CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
LEADERS' LINKS
Mandel Center Leaders’ Links is a highly successful professional development program that allows experienced nonprofit executive leaders to participate in purposeful peer–to-peer learning. It was launched in 2001 by the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Case Western Reserve University in response to nonprofit executives’ expressed interest in (a) peer-to-peer learning that is immediately applicable and (b) discussion that is focused and confidential.
Each Leaders’ Link is a group of five or six diverse and highly-experienced executive directors/CEOs/presidents representing organizations from a range of nonprofit sub-sectors (for example, the social services, education, the arts, community/economic development, environmental protection, health, social justice). This unique opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and connection has proven to be informative, helpful, and extremely enjoyable.
What Outcomes Can Result from Participation in Leaders Links?
- LEARNING - The format is designed to help meet participants’ individual and collective learning goals, increase each participant’s understanding of his or her own work and roles, and provide a learning experience in which the knowledge gained is immediately applicable.
- SUPPORT - Members have a common bond as nonprofit executives and are able to share experiences and ideas that work.
- TRUST - All information shared during a session is considered confidential. This creates a safe environment for sharing. As a group works together, trust builds.
- PROBLEM-SOLVING - Members can discuss, receive support, and obtain feedback on resolving tough issues - whether they are professional, personal, or organizational.
- CONNECTION - Participation in Links for New Leaders reduces the sense of isolation felt by many nonprofit executive directors, CEOs, and presidents. It re-affirms, and even builds, their confidence and competence.
- NETWORKING - Links for New Leaders promotes a spirit of collegiality. Participation helps busy leaders take needed breaks, establish friendships, and develop relationships with their peers.
- ALLIANCES - Networking leads to additional organizational benefits. For example, participants in Leaders’ Links and Links for New Leaders report that a number of organizational alliances were formed as a result of collaborative ties.
- RENEWAL - Participation also helps reduce stress, tension, and the risk for burnout.
- INFORMATION, TOOLS - Group members often provide each other with specific resources that are targeted to meet group or individual learning goals.
- COST SAVINGS - Participation in a Link for New Leaders can be far less expensive and more effective than programs that may not be targeted to meet specific learning needs or manuals that often sit on shelves.
How a Leaders' Link Works
- With assistance from the Mandel Center, a small group of nonprofit executive leaders who are committed to peer-to-peer learning is formed to support group members' learning – learning that is immediately applicable to career, personal or organizational life.
- At each session, each participant is given time to discuss an issue or area of interest of his/her own choosing. The group provides feedback, encouragement, support, and the benefit of the members’ own experience to help the individual gain clarity, perspective, and/or resolution of the matter he or she has raised. Participant engagement is a key to the success of a Leaders' Link.
- Each Leaders' Link includes a trained facilitator who guides the group's work together.
- Each Link session lasts for approximately two hours; participants determine the days, time, and location of the sessions.
- In the initial Link session, participants become familiar with the Leaders’ Links process and begin to know each other. Participants agree to hold the content of Link discussions in confidence.
- At the end of each session, Link participants evaluate the session’s effectiveness.
- A Leaders' Link commits to meeting for eight sessions, generally held over a period of ten months. Subsequently, participants may choose to continue meeting for an additional series of sessions, or they may have an option to join a new Leaders' Link.
Fees:
Fees are based on the annual budget of the participant’s organization. For the initial commitment of eight sessions, fees are as follows:
Less than $1 million $295
$1 million to $3 million $375
Over $3 million to $8 million
$445
Over $8 million $515
To Paricipate
New groups are formed on a rolling basis. Those who are interested in participating may complete and submit a Participant Information Form.
Additional information:
Michele Murphy, MNO, Lead Facilitator, Professional Development Programs Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations, (direct) (440) 930-0097; murphymichele1@hotmail.com (office ) (216) 368-5214; michele.murphy@case.edu
Leaders' Links - An Introduction and Invitation to Participate