The Leadership Development Series (LDS) is a series of 3-week, non-credit, leadership workshops that are designed to help leaders of all levels develop and polish skills necessary to become leaders in today’s dynamic society. LDS will run from Oct 31, 2011 - Nov 21, 2011 and each theme will meet on a distinct day of the week, every week, along with meeting once on a weekend during the series for an active service component. The different Leadership Development Series workshops offered in Fall 2011 are described below:

• Social Issues in Miami - To increase awareness and appreciation of the rich cultural and social dynamics of Miami, a metropolis filled with one of the most diverse populations within the United States. Participants will be exposed to the rich social and cultural history of the city, develop grassroots organizing skills from local non-profits and community partners, develop an awareness of the distinct ethnic communities throughout the region, and participate in an immersive service trip with the greater Miami community.
• Personal Branding and Networking - To understand the importance of one’s image in attaining success and status in today’s modern world, particularly through the appreciation of the different forums one’s brand and image is developed from. Participants will be exposed to their "online identity" and how it is being portrayed, work on interpersonal connections, develop proper documentation/materials to give to employers, and participate in a exquisite, formal business dinner with community partners and local organizations.
• Group Dynamics - To successfully build, maintain, and foster relations and an engaging atmosphere within heterogeneous groups in order to tap each individual’s good-will and potential skill-set. Participants will be exposed to their own personality dispositions, be trained in dealing with complicated conflict situations, experience the full effects of alienation and exclusion, and participate in an off-campus trust challenge demanding the cooperation of group members.
• Confidence and Leadership Skills Training - To work on the application of one’s leadership potential by honing and fine-tuning the skill-set required to interact, delegate, and facilitate with a group of distinct individuals. Participants will be exposed to proper communication skills, develop effective listening and empathy skills, learn about the best method to plan large scale event and organizational activities, and participate in a full "crisis" simulation demanding the skill-sets of a true leader.

Check back soon for the Series being offered in next semester.