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Essential Leader Program (ELP) has been created specifically for employees who want to become better leaders and learn key leadership skills. This program is open to all employees wanting to make the most of their changing job expectations as well as potential career opportunities. You do not have to be in a supervisory position to enroll in the program!

You do not have to be a supervisor to be a leader.  Each one of us is a leader at some point by serving on a committee, working on a project, training or mentoring a new employee, or volunteering our skills in community activities.

Participants are required to take 21 certificate eligible courses over a two year period. You may begin the series at any time and take courses in any order. 

Designed around seven leadership competencies, the program is demanding and the skills learned are immediately applicable in the workplace.  Competencies include Communication, Teamwork, Creative Problem Solving and Flexibility, Interpersonal Skills, Professionalism, Resolving Conflicts and Leadership.  Each competency consists of a total number of ELP units which include required class offerings.

How do I register? 
You can register for our program in the myUK portal.
Under the Employee Self-Service tab, follow the myUK Learning link. Once loaded, search for "the essential leader program" and enroll.
You may contact our Training and Development staff with any questions, train@uky.edu.

Communications
Course Description
Communicating Across Cultures Becoming more aware of our cultural differences and similarities will help us communicate with each other more effectively. Read more »
Communicating With Success Learn communication skills to help you drive effective decision making, teamwork and action. Read more »
Effective Business Writing Using clear, concise, and professional communication is essential to effective business writing. Read more »
Personality Differences Explore what personality differences mean and how to turn stress and irritations into understanding and productivity. Read more »
Presentation Practice This workshop provides the opportunity to put into practice what was learned in Presentation Principles. Read more »
Presentation Principles This workshop is designed for the professional who occasionally, or frequently, makes presentations. Read more »
Teamwork
Course Description
Leading Effective Teams Learn positive steps you can take to create an empowering climate and influence your team to succeed. Read more »
Teamwork in a Changing Workplace Explore just why working together as a team is so important to the success of the university as well as your personal success. Read more »
Creative Problem Solving and Flexibility
Course Description
Facing the Challenge of Change Discover your personal change style and better understand resilience and coping strategies for nonstop change. Read more »
From Deciding to Doing Learn how to think critically about your goals and how you can prepare, so that any goal is within reach Read more »
Group Problem Solving Explore an in-depth and inclusive approach to problem solving. Read more »
Thinking Critically Learn how creativity connects to critical thinking and how to use both to identify and solve root problems. Read more »
Interpersonal Skills
Course Description
Basics of Diversity Learn about all the dimensions in which individuals are different and how to create an environment that encourages appreciation of diversity instead of biases. Read more »
Building a Climate of Trust Learn your role as a supervisor or leader in developing a trusting workplace environment and strategies to make it happen. Read more »
Generations in the Workplace Learn how each generation defines success and investigate the differences that impact communication and relationships in the work environment. Read more »
Professionalism
Course Description
Developing a Winning Image Learn how to build your personal brand, grow and nurture your network and more. Read more »
Resolves Conflict
Course Description
Managing Staff Conflict Learn how to diagnose conflict issues, identify the three stages of conflict and apply five conflict management strategies. Read more »
What to Do About Bad Attitude Behaviors Learn how you can contribute to reducing bad attitude behaviors in your work area. Read more »
Leadership
Course Description
Basics of Leadership We'll explore the topic conceptually and practically to become the best leader each of us can be.  Read more »
Coaching and Feedback Uncover talent, strengthen your team, and positively and constructively guide employees. Read more »
Meeting Focus Meetings can get a bad reputation when they're not effective – make your meetings enhance productivity. Read more »