CLIA Program Approach
The program is very intentionally going where other leadership or spirituality programs do not: it is both about spirituality and about work; it is worldly and spiritual; it aims to help leaders figure out how to lead a whole life rather than split lives. One dictionary definition of leadership is, “to point out a way, direction, or goal and to influence others toward it.” Emerging leaders live this definition, with the program’s help, by understanding where they currently stand, where they want to go in life, how to get there effectively, and how to be influential along the way.
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius help individuals to accomplish many of these same self-leadership tasks. Hence, though the program is not a version of the Spiritual Exercises, it draws heavily from them. Indeed, the program’s unique approach and advantage is to draw both from “spiritual resources,” (like the Spiritual Exercises and Catholic social teaching) and from “secular resources” (like leadership theory and business case studies). The program weaves these varied resources into a program that participants will perceive as a consistent, integrated vision and approach to self-leadership. Subject to ongoing program design work, we intend to accomplish this by structuring the two year-long term as a progression through three dimensions of leading one’s life well: 1. establishing an enduring foundation, 2. learning to make major choices (marriage, career, etc), and 3. executing well daily. Following is the schedule that is in process for Year 1 of the New York pilot program:
September 8
Who Are We and Where Are We Going? Introductions, guidelines for proceeding, expectations.
September 12-14
Ignatian Leadership Retreat at Jogues Retreat House, Cornwall, NY
September 23
Group Dynamics & Leadership: Understanding ourselves and our interests, working with others, self-awareness and reflection.
October 7
Leadership & Strategy: Chris Lowney talks about the Ignatian tradition and what it means to be a leader.
November 4
Understanding Ourselves (Part I): The Enneagram and the productive use of personality indicators. Asking those around us for feedback.
December 2
Understanding Ourselves (Part II): Working with feedback, supportive listening, and Ignatian practices of self-reflection.
January 6
The World We Live In (Part I): Ignatian meditation from the Spiritual Exercises. Focus on a specific global issue.
February 3
The World We Live In (Part II): Group presentations and feedback.
March 3
Christianity Weighs In: Catholic Social Teaching & the World’s Needs
April 7
Why Am I Here? Personal vocation and life purpose.
May 5
Catholic Leaders Speak: panel discussion with Catholic professionals on bringing together work and faith.
June 2