By: Kate Elliott—
Muncie, IN — Sue Godfrey dropped out of the workforce to raise children. She had left a management position and re-entered office life through an entry-level role. Sue enrolled in Shafer Leadership’s Emergence program, and there, she regained her confidence.
Now the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana, Godfrey is an advocate for the eight-week, highly interactive Emergence program. It outfits participants with confidence and a command of their leadership style, she said. Registration for the 2019 Emergence Class — which kicks off Tuesday, April 2 — is open through Friday, March 29.
“I see ‘aha’ moments in the people I lead as they go through the program,” said Godfrey, who joined the Shafer Leadership Academy Board in 2018. “It works to serve everyone who both aspires to be a leader and those who may not see their own leadership skills, but others around them do.”
Shafer Leadership Academy is a Muncie non-profit that provides people of all ages, backgrounds and interests access to the tools necessary to develop and enhance their leadership skills. Emergence is the nonprofit’s core leadership program. Topics during the interactive sessions, include learning and leadership styles, effective communication, consensus building, conflict management, civic leadership and personal mission.
The best part, according to SLA Executive Director Mitch Isaacs, is the program’s format. Emergence is built for busy professionals, who want the depth of an extended retreat but don’t have the time. This year’s class will begin with a full day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, and continue each Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. through Tuesday, May 21. Scholarships are available, and participants from SLA member organizations receive discounts.
“It’s worth it,” Godfrey said. “Emergence graduates get to know each other well and continue to support one another beyond the program — especially those in close quarters.
“My husband, Stuart Godfrey, is also an Emergence graduate. He and I often discuss issues of leadership, and a frequent conversation is around the idea that ‘you aren’t leading if no one is following,’” she said. “If no one is following, then you’re just taking a walk.”
To learn more and register for Emergence, visit this webpage: https://www.shaferleadership.com/emergence/
Email: Shafer Leadership Academy or call the office at 765-748-0403. Connect with SLA on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Shafer Leadership Academy
Shafer Leadership Academy is a Muncie non-profit that provides people of all ages, backgrounds and interests access to the tools necessary to develop and enhance their leadership skills. Go to www.shaferleadership.com for a full overview of its programs, scholarships and impact on the community.
Shafer Leadership Academy
1208 W. White River Blvd. Muncie, IN 47303
Phone: 765-748-0403
