LEAD (Leadership Engagement And Development) is a program at MassBay designed to develop leadership skills that will benefit students throughout college, career, and life.
The LEAD program exists to inspire all students to effect positive change through self-exploration, including the positive impact they can have in a group and our community, and why it’s vital for our future.
Definition of Leadership
At MassBay we define leadership as the ability to understand and utilize your individual talents, and also to effectively influence your team to accomplish a goal. Leadership should be the modest and genuine expression of your unique personality to effect positive change for the betterment of others, our community, and society. There is no one-size fits all methodology to leadership.
Benefits of the Leadership Program
- Gain practical experience in cooperative teamwork, creative problem solving, and being an effective leader
- Further develop self-awareness and interpersonal skills, and learn about group dynamics
- Develop relationships with other students, faculty, staff, and administrators
Testimonials from Past Participants
“I still remember, when I first got nominated for LEAD last Fall, how I wasn’t so sure about how the virtual program experience would turn out to be; and today, am so happy and thankful for having undergone this amazing program and for my very own LEAD experience. The program has made me realize the importance and potential of a TEAM, of having open communications and how one attains true success when everyone is really working to their strengths. I appreciate all the different sessions, the real-life experiences shared as well as the theory behind this well-planned, informative session.”
— Dolon Bose
Completed the LEAD Program, Fall 2020
“I had an amazing time meeting new students and faculty at the college. LEAD challenged my perception of what a leader is and made me think about how I live out my own life. It taught me to take time for my own mental health and well-being, and how my reactions affect my life and those around me.
Having the opportunity to organize a civic engagement project (for a cause I was passionate about), was an enriching experience and nothing like I had ever done before. The faculty and staff worked closely with us to make sure our visions materialized. Overall, the LEAD program was a fulfilling experience I will never forget.”
— Lindsay Morgan
Completed the LEAD Program, Fall 2018
“There are not many college programs that allow students to come together to share their ideas of what it means to be leader. Participants received a solid outline of skills, attitudes, and characteristics leaders should already have or try to obtain. Great Program!”
— Emmanuelle Djl
Completed the LEAD Program, Fall 2018
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR SPRING 2023 (Deadline to Apply is 2/1/23)
NOMINATE A STUDENT FOR THE SPRING 2023 LEAD PROGRAM →
Spring 2023 Required Workshop Dates and Times:
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Julie Schleicher, Coordinator of Student Engagement at jschleicher@massbay.edu.
SESSION 1 | Friday February 3 | 1-3:30pm | Library Atrium | Wellesley Hills Campus
1-3pm | TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES
We want you to get to know your LEAD cohort! Team bonding brings people together by encouraging collaboration and teamwork. Fun activities that help people see each other in a different light allow them to connect in a different setting. One of the most powerful reasons for team building is to get results. Through a series of planned team bonding activities that are fun and motivational, teams build skills like communication, planning, problem solving and conflict resolution. Team bonding also helps foster genuine connections, deeper discussions and processing.
3-3:30pm | SELF ASSESSMENT INTRODUCTION
You will complete the Clifton Strength Finders self-assessment. This assessment will help you learn your personal strengths. Taking this inventory at the beginning of the LEAD Program will allow you to get an idea of what areas are strengths and what areas might need enhancement in your leadership journey. The LEAD program will help you use those strengths to become an effective leader.
SESSION 2 | Friday, February 17 | 1-3:30pm | Library Atrium | Wellesley Hills Campus
1-2pm | TEAM BUILDING and CHECK-IN
Continue to get to know your LEAD cohort and work on team building exercises!
2-3:30pm | SELF-ASSESSMENT
Now that you have taken your self-assessment, we will help you discover the perfect ways to explain and understand your talents. From your report and our discussion, you will gain the ability to help your team or organization and use your talents to accomplish great things, no matter the situation. You will learn how to aim your talents at anything that comes your way.
SESSION 3 | Friday, March 24 | 1-3:30pm | Library Atrium | Wellesley Hills Campus
1-2pm | TEAM BUILDING and CHECK-IN
Continue to get to know your LEAD cohort and work on team building exercises!
2-3:30pm | PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR SUCCESS
We've all heard that famous statistic "Public speaking is the #1 fear, surpassing snakes and even death!"
Public speaking & presentation skills are critical for success in the workplace. People with these skills tend to shine, especially when the job market is competitive.
In this fun and interactive session, you will learn how to overcome your fears and gain the confidence to give effective presentations and improve your speaking skills. Some of the things we’ll cover include:
• How choosing the right topic can ease your fears.
• How to organize your talks effectively.
• How use your voice and body to improve the effectiveness of your speech.
• How to establish rapport with your audience.
SESSION 4 | Friday, April 14 | 1-3:30pm | Library Atrium | Wellesley Hills Campus
1-1:30pm | TEAM BUILDING and CHECK-IN
Continue to get to know your LEAD cohort and work on team building exercises!
1:30-2:30pm | CONFLICT RESOLUTION: CREATING AN INCLUSIVE TEAM
Join us for an interactive workshop on conflict resolution and creating an inclusive team. Participants will learn and practice skills in de-escalating and mediating cross-cultural conflicts, providing and accepting feedback and constructive criticism, and understanding their role in a group setting. In addition, participants will learn how to create a symbiotic space in a group setting both in and outside of the classroom.
2:30-3:30pm | PEER EDUCATION BYSTANDER TRAINING
Lisa MacDonald, Director of Equity Compliance and student Peer Educators will provide an overview of what Equity Compliance means at MassBay, with an emphasis on how students can seek services for themselves or a friend that may have experienced any type of harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct. Confidential resources both on and off campus will be provided.
SESSION 5 | Friday, April 28 | 1-3:30pm | Library Atrium | Wellesley Hills Campus
1-1:30pm | TEAM BUILDING and CHECK-IN
Continue to get to know your LEAD cohort and work on team building exercises!
1:30-2:30pm | LEADERSHIP, BALANCING AND PRIORITIZING
When you decide to be a leader of an organization, project of a team this results in more work to do — which is great — as you choose to be a leader because of your passion and commitment to making your community stronger. Good leaders need to know how to prioritize and how to balance their new responsibilities with the daily activities. During this interactive workshop we will talk about self-care, prioritizing and attempting to find balance.
2:30-3:30pm | MINDFULNESS & LISTENING SKILLS
Effective leaders require the ability to focus clearly on the present circumstances and to listen deeply to the perspectives of their team. This presentation teaches the fundamental skills of mindfulness and meditation. These skills are then applied to the tasks of leadership and active listening.
SESSION 6 | Friday, May 5 | 1-2:30pm | Library Atrium | Wellesley Hills Campus
1-2:30pm | FINAL PRESENTATIONS & REFLECTIONS ON LEAD PROGRAM
Your final presentation on your experience in the program.
We will look back at your work and experiences within the LEAD program and reflect on what you have done, challenges you faced, and what you have learned.