Set yourself apart from the crowd. To tackle your global challenge, you'll need to know how to lead. Meet and network with influential leaders from around the world. Examine different approaches to leadership. Discover your path in life and start thinking about who you want to be. Develop your leadership skills through a curriculum that explores various leadership styles and a hands-on retreat.

How does the Franke GLI define leadership? Through the Franke GLI, we:

• craft a vision statement and define goals toward a shared solution.

  • Example skills and practices: Reflect on one's internal values, thoughts, and feelings to identify and articulate where and how one wants to serve; clarify and explore the need for service and solutions; practice futuristic thinking; engage with creativity and innovation.  

• practice effective communication.

  • Example skills and practices: Engage in active listening; ask open-ended questions and focus on inquiry; understand and navigate differences in communication; develop situational awareness and recognize the dynamics of power and privilege; manage and resolve conflicts; consider cross-cultural dynamics, values, and social norms, including those affecting equity, justice, and diversity.

• appraise and leverage individual and group strengths.

  • Example skills and practices: Value diversity in perspectives, disciplines, and contributions; recognize that many styles and paths can be leveraged to reach a common goal; guide individuals and groups through social influence, collaboration, and teamwork, rather than by way of authority and power.

• strive toward personal growth and development.

  • Example skills and practices:Evaluate personal experiences, values, thoughts, and feelings on an ongoing basis; question expectations; set limits; embrace ambiguity; remain agile; combat unconscious and implicit bias; practice self-reflection; engage in a growth mindset; accept accountability; strengthen one's voice.

• analyze problems in context.

  • Example skills and practices: Reflect on internal and external values and influences; evaluate problems and propose solutions that reflect awareness of problems' multiple dimensions, including the dynamics of power and privilege; consider interrelationships among problems, solutions, and implications; consider cross-cultural dynamics, values, and perspectives; recognize the connections between the self/team and larger local, regional, and global communities as well as the interrelationships between components of the Earth system and human societies/communities.

• effect change through shared solutions.

  • Example skills and practices: Implement a process toward the achievement of defined goals; set and track milestones; practice effective time management; continue to inspire others toward the common vision and goals; apply shared solutions toward the desired impact (e.g., capstone implementation); evaluate the effects of the change(s) in multiple contexts. 

Leadership Retreat

In the fall semester, you will engage in a full-day leadership retreat. This opportunity offers an immersive experience that allows you to understand your leadership style, connect with other students, and build and practice leadership skills. You’ll learn more about individual and group development, situational leadership and conflict resolution.

Leadership Course

This two-credit course provides a semester-long opportunity to reflect on your leadership experience and values, understand your capacities and goals, enhance your communication skills and evaluate different approaches and contexts for leadership. You’ll get the chance to meet others who inspire you and who can serve as role models or collaborators.

Discussions with Leaders

Throughout your time in the Franke GLI, including during your sophomore year, you will have the opportunity to meet leaders who are tackling society’s complex problems. These experiences are designed to give you the chance to develop as leaders while also finding role models and potential connections for the future.