Denison Edge Program: Leadership Edge

Get the edge in your power skills.

“Power Skills” (also known as “soft skills”) enable employees to develop strong communication, collaboration, productivity and change-leadership capabilities – all critical to employee performance and organizational growth.

We offer two leadership programs under Leadership Edge – one for emerging leaders and the other for executives.

Executive Series

NEXT COHORT: 9/7/2023

Being in a leadership role requires constant contribution to the growth of the business. Understanding different methods, patterns, practices and techniques is necessary in enabling organizations to achieve their desired outcome. That’s where Leadership Edge – Executive Series comes in. Throughout this program, you will enhance your skills base and knowledge around leading yourself and an organization as a whole.

In this program, you will:

  • Dive deep into the three individual strands of organizational DNA: Complexity Thinking, Distributed Leadership, Team Science
  • Understand the why of leadership
  • See your strengths and opportunities clearly – developing a propensity for learning, growing and adapting
  • Learn about adaptability and agility in leadership – including developing your political skills 
  • Equip yourself to lead with vision and purpose 
  • Develop a growth mindset
  • Gear up with techniques for marking quick and effective decisions in time-compressed situations
  • Dive into practical case studies and exercises


This series is taught by Mark McGrath, Chief Learning Officer for AGLX, an adaptive strategy consultancy that allows organizations to be confident in complexity and turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage. Mark served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and spent almost twenty years in asset management. Mark’s primary emphasis is in the areas of strategy, decision-making, the application of economic theory to business and entrepreneurship, training and coaching.

6-week overview can be found here.

2023 Sessions:

Fall Session: 9/7/2023-10/12/2023

Register

Cost: $2,600

Sessions run every Thursday, in-person, from 1pm-5pm.

New Manager Series

NEXT COHORT: 4/6/2023

As you continue to flourish in your professional journey, learning how to effectively manage people and teams is a key part in moving up the ladder. 

In this program, you will:

  • Enhance your ability to effectively lead individuals and teams
  • Learn how to manage up and down 
  • Understand your own capabilities as an individual – including your limitations and how to manage them
  • Learn how to approach difficult discussions across the board (with clients, colleagues, leadership, and beyond)
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding on how to motivate others 
  • Build your network with other professionals in the program 
  • Make an impact on the organization you’re currently working in

6-week preview can be found here.

2023 Sessions:

Spring Session: 4/6/2023-5/11/2023

Fall Session: 9/7/2023-10/12/2023

Register

Cost: $1,300

Sessions run every Thursday, in-person, from 2:30pm-5pm.

For more information or questions, please email Eric Lloyd at lloyde@denison.edu.

Hear from past participants:

The course was very engaging with a blend of lecture and group activity. The instructors facilitated thought provoking discussions on topics that were relative to any industry. This course was refreshing, educating, and provided me tools to enhance my leadership skills. It was also great to connect & network with leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences.” – Cheryl Bergsman, Vice-President, Company Operations | Donatos

” It had been some time since I had taken a class in an academic environment so to say I was nervous is an understatement. Upon walking in, I immediately felt welcomed, and to my surprise happily attending every class eager to learn more about myself as well as new management techniques. From the teachers to the curriculum, it was an amazing experience. I would highly recommend this experience and gladly go back and take more classes, furthering my professional development.” – Candace Frank, Director of Member Engagement | Ohio Chamber of Commerce

The Leadership Edge Series offered me a greater appreciation of how my manager role translates with others outside my organization. Listening and learning from other professionals, has given me the ability to re-tool my approach and enhance my presentations for the business.  I would highly recommend this series to new and current managers alike.” – Christopher Valentine, Manager, Partner Management | BBW Travel Retail & Military