March 4, 2005

MGH Leadership Academy introduced

The O'Keeffe Auditorium was filled Feb. 23 as managers and supervisors from throughout the hospital gathered for the launch of the MGH Leadership Academy — a new program to help managers refine their skills to become even more successful leaders.

Carlyene Prince-Erickson, director of Employee Education and Leadership Development, (left), gave an overview of the Academy, giving details about the curriculum and the foundation or "pillars" of the program, which includes People Management, Process Management, Financial Management, Communications Management and Leadership. The curriculum will be offered through a "blended learning" model that features classes taught in the classroom, seminars, online learning, project-based experiences and a journal/book club.

"Through the research we conducted, we found that people learn in different ways, and managers in particular have limited time for their own education," said Prince-Erickson. "So, by offering our classes through different mediums, we hope to meet the needs of everyone."

Trish Gibbons, DNSc, RN, associate chief for the Center for Clinical and Professional Development and a member of the seven-person Leadership Academy Steering Committee, gave a demonstration of the Academy's e-learning program called ManageMentor PLUS that is offered in partnership with Harvard Business School Publishing. Using interactive scenarios and self-testing, the online program covers a variety of topics such as budgeting, strategic planning, time management, employee relations and goal setting.

In addition, the Academy will offer a new classroom to be located in the Training and Workforce Development Suite at 100 Charles River Plaza, second floor. A leadership library also is being created as another resource for managers. For more information about the Leadership Academy, visit www2.massgeneral.org/leadershipacademy.