Thinking back, what overall impact did the program make on your professional and personal life?
This was huge for me. I saw for the first time the specific ways in which I needed to grow as a leader both within my institutions and within my field and how to move forward. I have applied MANY of the tools I learned in the course and taught them to others, both informally, and in seminars I am now being asked to give on leadership.

What made it worth your personal time and/or money?
If you are willing to be humble and take a hard look at your strengths and weaknesses, this course provides an opportunity to make a profound difference in both your professional and, frankly, personal life. The instructors are extraordinary - this is an incredible opportunity to learn from some very talented individuals.

If we asked your bosses today, would they say the time and money was worth it? Why?
Absolutely. My team has moved leaps and bounds over the past year, and I have made it very clear to my supervisor the degree to which the course is the reason.

In today's nonprofit world, where resources are scarce and community needs are growing, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the pressure to perform. Our brains are not designed to perform complex tasks with a high degree of efficiency under these conditions. I have found that the cognitive frameworks taught in the High Performance Leadership Program have provided me with the tools required to effectively lead an organization in this challenging environment. I am just sorry I didn't take the course when I accepted my job as an Executive Director.

What did you find most useful and interesting about the HPL program? What still sticks out in your mind?
Top instructors and program management! Also, even though I had done a 360 once in the past, choosing this time to seek and receive the input, take it in, digest it for the sake of implementing positive change, with all the tools for transformation being added at the same time to my toolbox, was incredibly well-timed to help me create the needed change. I truly enjoyed the days away at the Nature Place with the team building exercises too. Fabulous team members, a great mix of backgrounds and experiences to draw upon for enhanced learning.

What did you find most useful and interesting? What still sticks out in your mind?
HPL has given me a better understanding of how to relate to others. I now have a better grasp of how to approach people and discuss ideas in a way that will enable a successful result. Not everyone communicates ideas, develops concepts or discusses conflicts the same way. Having an understanding of how to work with those around you will enable you and your team to reach their highest potential.

How has your behavior changed since the program?
Since taking part in the HPL program I have become more aware of my actions. It has made me take responsibility for my actions as they affect me and my colleagues. It is not what they didn't accomplish; it is what I didn't provide them to facilitate the completion of the task. You must own your actions.

On a side note:
The HPL Program is a must for all levels of management. It has helped me to develop the intangible skills of leadership. It is not about what you get done, it's how you elevate those around you.

As an employee in State government, I was hesitant and not clear as to why I should participate in the HPL program. Even though I have participated in a number of corporate leadership programs in the past, HPL tied together the elements of lecture and teamwork (the Nature Place) in a way that truly made the overall leadership experience real to me. HPL spoke to me on the individual as well as the "corporate level" and has given me the tools and skills to improve my leadership competency in my job.