ACEC New York offers leadership program in Albany and N.Y.C.

Launched in 2007/2008 to develop future leaders in engineering companies, ACEC New York's successful Leadership Institute is offering classes this year in Albany, as well as in New York City. The program, organized into nine sessions that meet once a month, focuses on activities that help technical managers create a personal vision, define their leadership role, learn to understand others and communicate to motivate. Its goal is to create a more vibrant, dynamic, and profitable place to work within engineering firms. ACEC New York's Leadership Institute classes are facilitated by the Jennings Group, specialists in working with organizations to provide complex solutions to business management and training issues. Classes are limited in size to 15-20 persons in order to provide a real dialogue between the instructors and class. Sessions include topics on leadership principles, leading change, and empowering and growing others, as well as individualized coaching instruction. Held in New York City in its inaugural year and offered in both N.Y.C. and Rochester in 2008/2009, the program is open to anyone who has been identified within their firms as a potential leader. Past participants have included presidents of engineering companies, regional managers, marketing professionals and architects. Recent graduates of the program had this to say about the program. Sui Leong, P.E., LEED AP, VP H2M Group, said, "The program has provided me with a heightened sense of self awareness and a better understanding of my leadership style. The techniques learned through the program will enable me to be a better communicator, motivator and a more effective leader." Elizabeth Burkhart, P.E., LEED AP, regional manager at Collins Engineers, P.C., said, "The ACEC New York Leadership Institute course provided a great deal of insight into how to motivate colleagues, identify what helps them excel, and pinpoint what might hold them back. It also taught me how to adapt my approach to different people and issues so my message is not only clearly communicated, but readily received." For more information and a copy of the leadership brochure, please visit the homepage of www.acecny.org. The 2010-2011 programs will run from October 2010 through May 2011.