Leading from the Middle helps
mid-career and mid-level
professionals in urban planning and community development
be better at managing conflict, leading teams, and promoting 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.

Leading from the Middle classes are
interactive and diverse and give
Fellows many opportunities to share
ideas and experiences.

We are now accepting applications for the upcoming Washington D.C. class (October 2007 to April 2008), New Jersey class (October 2007 to June 2008), and the New York class. (September 2008 to June 2009) Only 20 seats are available per class. (Learn more about Leading from the Middle at an Open House: May 15 and June 4 in New Brunswick, NJ. Register for the open house.)

What makes Leading from the Middle different -- and we think, superior to -- other leadership 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.

.....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 an agenda forward and
for working more
productively with
colleagues.”
......Leading from
......the Middle Graduate