MSU Extension Organizational Development

Facilitative Leadership

Facilitative Leadership is an intensive three-day program conducted in a retreat-like setting, preceded by a 1½ hour online introductory session. This workshop is for both new and experienced leaders, managers, and facilitators who would like to develop or improve their facilitative leadership skills. The goal is to provide experiential grounding in leading groups to have more effective and efficient meetings and to help people work together in positive and productive ways. 

Training via MSU Central Human Resources

MSU Human Resource offers regular leadership training sessions which are listed on their Professional Development website. Some of these courses are even free. To register and/or check pricing, log into EBS and go into "Courses for Employees at MSU."

Other Leadership Development Opportunities

Other excellent leadership development programs are available to MSU Extension employees. More information about each can be found at the websites below.

MSU Extension provides funding to a limited number of participants for leadership opportunities. You should speak with your supervisor about your interest in these programs, and how they fit into your career plan. 

• LEAD21 - Aims to develop leaders in land grant institutions and their strategic partners who link research, academics, and extension in order to lead more effectively in an increasingly complex environment. Please speak with your Institute Director regarding if this program is an appropriate option for you. 
  
  
• National Extension Leadership Development (NELD).  Their mission is "To build leaders in Cooperative Extension at all levels and provide them with the vision, courage, and tools to lead in a changing world.  
  
  
• Great Lakes Leadership Academy.  Their mission is: "To promote positive change, economic vitality and resource conservation, and to enhance the quality of life in Michigan by encouraging leadership for the common good."  They have two programs:
  • Emerging Leader Program -- Nomination process open for 2025 participation.
    • Interested staff fill out a nomination to express interest.
    • Leadership teams will select which interested staff are eligible for funding if accepted into the program.
    • Those eligible for funding then apply to the GLLA program (selection not guaranteed).
  • Leadership Advancement Program

OSU Leadership Center Development Opportunities

The OSU Leadership Center is another great source of training. Many, but not all, of their workshops are available online. Check out their training opportunities on their events page.