Leading Edge Masthead
Photograph of Ujima Donalson

A Message from Ujima Donalson, POD Director

Can you believe it—we won! The Strategic Leadership Program received a prestigious award at the LEAD2016 conference, placing first among internal leadership development programs and besting some pretty formidable competition. This is a big win for the UW and recognizes the commitment the University has shown to leadership development by centrally funding this program for more than fifteen years. It’s also a big win for POD because we develop the content, curriculum, and materials for SLP, administer all aspects of the program, and facilitate the four-day workshop using our in-house talent. In celebration, we’re dedicating this special edition of The Leading Edge to all things LEAD. I hope our highlights and takeaways from the conference will provide a fresh perspective on the importance of leadership that inspires and engages. Read More


"Average is the enemy of awesome.” ~ Devin C. Hughes


SLP Logo

SLP Wins Top Honors

On February 4, 2016, the Strategic Leadership Program received the top Leadership Excellence award for Best Corporate University, a category honoring internal leadership development programs designed and offered to leaders within an organization. POD Director Ujima Donalson and Training and Organizational Development Consultant Susan Templeton received the award at the national LEAD2016 conference sponsored by hr.com and held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. Read MoreLEAD Award Logo


"Everyone in this world is dealt a different hand—some better, some worse than others—but what's more important is how you play that hand. This is what builds character. And with great character comes great reward.” ~ Christine Ha


Photograph of Susan Templeton

The Musicality of Leadership
Susan Templeton, Training and Organizational Development Consultant

In February I was honored to attend LEAD2016 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, an interesting venue that turned out to have some thematic significance. All the conference presenters were master storytellers, but the opening and closing sessions that wove together ideas about music and leadership resonated with me the most.

The first day started with Arthur Bloom’s session on Musical Resilience. When Bloom, who was recognized as a Top Ten CNN Hero in 2014, visited the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, he couldn’t shake the feeling that our wounded warriors were simply being warehoused. As a composer, he naturally turned to music. He created a rehabilitative program called MusiCorps, which provides instruments, mentorship, and instruction to interested vets at Walter Reed. In a number of cases, MusiCorps has provided customized instruments to accommodate missing or damaged digits, hands, and limbs. Read More


"The important thing is that when you come to understand something you act on it, no matter how small that act is. Eventually it will take you where you need to go.” ~ Sister Helen Prejean


Photograph of books

A LEAD-Inspired Reading List

Several presenters who captured our attention at LEAD 2016 have authored well-regarded books for leaders. Check out these offerings from Tacy M. Byham, Stephen M. R. Covey, Jim Kouzes, Bonnie St. John, and Jack Zenger. Read More


Photograph of cherry blossoms

Support Your Staff With the Spring Retreat

Now in its thirteenth year, this one-day conference designed for administrative support professionals at the UW promotes skill-building, knowledge development, personal growth, and on-the-job success. This year’s event takes place on Monday, April 25, just before Administrative Professionals Day, and provides leaders across the University with an opportunity to reward key staff members and foster their development. Learn More

THIS NEWSLETTER WAS SENT BY:
Professional & Organizational Development, Box 354962, Seattle, WA 98195-4962
University of Washington | Manage Your Subscriptions | Contact Us | Privacy Policy