The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its Leadership Institute January 7, 2010.

The program was designed to bring together the best in class leadership development and area business leaders interested in taking their organizations to the next level. The Leadership Institute offers participants the opportunity to learn and apply the competencies of highly effective leaders to drive business results.

Kicking off in January, with a day and a half retreat, participants will create an individualized leadership plan to ensure successful outcomes. The program will enable participants to change their leadership culture to drive individual and organizational results in the areas of strategic thinking, ethics and values, goal setting, teamwork, relationship building, stress tolerance, coaching, and business acumen.

During the six-month Leadership Institute, participants will undergo a rigorous leadership assessment to identify key leadership strengths and growth opportunities. Facilitated by top leadership trainers, each monthly session will involve panel discussions with key community leaders as well as specific case studies that address and resolve leadership challenges applicable to the participants’ organizations, regardless of size or industry. Group coaching sessions are scheduled between each monthly session.

The Leadership Institute is scheduled to run from January through June of 2010 and includes the following:

January 7 & 8: Kickoff – Self Assessment, Goal Setting, Ethics and values
Participants will utilize an assessment tool that determines specific behaviors and competencies that an individual is naturally strong in and areas to focus their development efforts. Participants will gain an understanding of how they establish and achieve challenging goals for themselves and inspire others to become goal setters too; and how they consistently demonstrate core values and beliefs in performing their role in their company at any level.

January 22: Coaching Session

February 12: Session 2 – Managing relationships
Participants will gain an understanding of how they demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to motivate a diverse audience.

February 26: Coaching Session

March 12: Session 3 – Teamwork
Participants will gain an understanding of how they demonstrate willingness and ability to help others learn and grow in their skills to achieve business objectives.

March 26: Coaching Session

April 9: Session 4 – Coaching effectiveness
Participants will gain an understanding of how they demonstrate a strong understanding of the importance of maintaining strong business relationships and how to manage conflict as it presents itself in the business.

April 23: Coaching Session

April 30: Session 5 – Customer focus
Participants will gain an understanding of how they are able to gain the trust and respect of internal and external customers.

May 7: Coaching Session

May 14: Session 6 – Business acumen
Participants will gain an understanding of how they demonstrate a strong understanding of key business principles and how they affect their business.

May 28: Coaching Session

June 11: Session 7 – Strategic Thinking & Program Graduation
Participants will gain an understanding of how they demonstrate a strong understanding of the importance of a Strategic Plan and how it directly affects their business.

Registration for the Leadership Institute is open to Chamber Members at an early bird price of $795 per person prior to October 31st and $945 per person thereafter. The non-member cost is $1,345. Space is limited.

For more information visit the Leadership Institute pages on our website. To register, visit our Chamber Calendar or contact Lisa Livingston at (630) 544-3365. For sponsorship information, contact Barry Poll at (630) 544-3386.