Walker College of Business

8:00am-8:30am Seating, light breakfast, and refreshments

8:30am-9:15am Introductions and networking
Dr. Shawn Bergman (Director, Professional Education - Appalachian State University)

9:15am-9:30am Break

9:30am-11:00am Conflict is Everywhere: Leaders Embrace It

Dr. PJ Nelsen (Associate Professor, College of Education - Appalachian State University)

Conflict is a valuable, essential part of every workplace. Despite its value, leaders may fear and avoid it, which threatens team collaboration and innovation. Rather than thinking of conflict as something to avoid, this session will offer leaders practical skills to help them engage in difficult conversations in order to build trust and inspire collaboration. Through experiential activities, participants will learn effective strategies for listening and responding when in conflict. These strageties will foster a deeper understanding and connection in order to turn conflict into an opportunity for innovation.

11:00am-11:15am Break

11:15am-12:00pm Leaders Are the Holders of the Candle

Richard Sparks (Instructor, Walker College of Business - Appalachian State University)

It is often difficult to express what it means to be a real leader. Is it having power, control, financial rewards, or is it helping others achieve higher level? This presentation will illuminate ten of the most important characteristics of successful leadership and how true effective leadership differs from power and control.

12:00pm-1:00pm Networking lunch

1:00pm-2:30pm Getting to Know the Leader in You
Doug Baer (Assistant Director, Leadership Development - Appalachian State University)

Effective leaders must know who they are and what talents, skills, knowledge, and experiences they bring to opportunities and challenges. Decades of strengths-based leadership research by Gallup indicate that great leaders begin by working to deepen their understanding of their personal strengths. This interactive and engaging session will introduce an approach that can inspire and maximize individual and organizational growth.

Note: Attendees will be asked to complete the online CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment (included in the registration) prior to the Leadership Summit.

2:30pm-2:45pm Break

2:45pm-4:15pm Understanding your Shadow: How Leaders Impact Group Decision-Making

Dr. William Sparks (Director, Organization Development Master's Program - Queen's University)

This interactive session will examine the concept of "self-actualization" as it relates to leadership. Over 20 years of research provide the framework for understanding your Leadership Style, and your "Leadership Shadow," when working with others. Participants will learn more about their Leadership Shadow and about strategies to more effectively manage your Leadership Shadow when working with others, especially in the context of group decision-making.

Note: Attendees will be asked to complete the ALP online assessment online during the session and will receive a copy Actualized Leadership by Dr. Sparks (both included in the registration).

4:15pm-4:30pm Break

4:30pm-5:00pm Leadership and Reflection Go Hand-in-Hand

Dr. Shawn Bergman (Director, Professional Education - Appalachian State University)

Like any other skill, improving your leadership skills requires practice, reflection, guidance, coaching, and a willingness to examine what you're currently doing and how you are doing it. This final session will offer attendees a chance to share their insights and the lessons they learned.