Leading from the Middle helps mid-level professionals in urban planning and community development better manage conflict, lead teams, and promote issues and agendas.

Fellows learn to identify their abilities to lead; analyze power dynamics in groups and organizations; communicate effectively; build strategic partnerships; and balance planning, action and evaluation.

Upcoming Leading from the Middle programs:

*March to June 2010, New Brunswick, New Jersey (View schedule and application information)

*September 2010 to February 2011 (Let me know when course schedule and application is available)

Only 20 seats are available per class.

What makes Leading from the Middle different -- and we think, superior to -- other leadingship programs?

It is the only leadership development program developed by and for midcareer and midlevel professionals in urban planning and community development. We know, because we've been there.

Leading from the Middle is designed to help participants the distinct challenges of doing planning, policy or community development in diverse and dynamic conditions.

It offers you more for a lower price than other leadership programs. Yes, you can pay thousands of dollars for weekend workshops. Do they offer one-to-one coaching? Do they give you time to practice and share your insights? Do they offer you entry into a supportive network of like-minded professionals? We provide all of this for a fraction of the cost of other programs.

The knowledge and tools Leading from the Middle offers work for any professional in any organization, and for organizations of every budget size. We promote our program to midcareer and midlevel planning, policy and community development professionals because that is where we believe the greatest need is.

The program has three parts: six to nine training sessions, peer coaching, and one to one executive coaching from a senior level professional in planning or community development. (Click here to learn more about coaches) Fellows also join a network of like-minded professionals in the New York, New Jersey and Washington D.C. regions, and get discounts on courses and events offered by The Leading Institute or the Professional Development Institute.

Those who pass the course will receive a Bloustein Professional Certificate of Completion. AICP members who attend all six worksessions will receive 33 Certification Maintenance credits.

Leading from the Middle works. Graduates have reported being better able to manage conflict, lead teams, promote their ideas, and improve relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients. For more on this, see the 2005 Leading from the Middle Course Evaluation Report.

"On the job, the program's principles and tools have been useful for pushing na agenda forward and for wokring more productively with colleagues." Leading from the Middle Graudate