Leadership Foundation Program
The Leadership Foundation Program is a comprehensive cohort-based management/ leadership development program designed to equip early career leaders with the capacity, confidence and connections to succeed in their roles. The program helps managers gain foundational knowledge, skills and tools to enhance their leadership success, to create a strong peer network, and to contribute to a learning and leadership culture at SFU.
The program invites leaders to reflect on their own leadership approach and the ways they contribute to healthy and inclusive settings, and fosters skills to help leaders support individuals and teams to thrive and work together to advance team and organizational objectives.
Format:
This is a cohort-based program, bringing together leaders from across the university, to learn together through interactive workshops and other program elements.
This program requires a time investment of 2 full day in-person workshops per month over a 6- 7 month period (October to April 2025.) Additionally, there are extra program elements (e.g., assignment, self-reflections, pre-readings, small group meetings). In-person attendance at the Burnaby campus is required when in-person (there is no virtual option). Outside of special circumstances, it is mandatory that participants attend all sessions and complete all program components.
Key Program Elements:
- Establishment of a safe and supportive learning environment
- Synchronous sessions
- DiSC Assessment
- Personal leadership development goal-setting
- Journaling and self-reflection
- Triad group meetings
- Capstone Self-Reflection and Presentation
We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where all feel welcome, safe, accepted and appreciated. We expect all within the SFU community to make every effort to help us maintain our commitment to inclusive excellence. To learn more about how we can collectively achieve a culture of inclusive excellence, please visit here: /edi/actions/inclusive-excellence.html
Learning Topics:
Modules were carefully selected based on best practice, core competencies and input from SFU leaders, and cover topics relating to leading self, leading teams and leading in the organization, including the following:
- Understanding Yourself as a Leader
- Inclusive Leadership Practices
- Leader-as-Coach
- Leading through Conflict
- Understanding the University Environment
- People Practices
- Performance Development
- Critical Thinking and Decision Making
- The Working Mind
- Presentation Skills for Leaders
- Leading Teams for Success
- Leading Change
In the Program, Participants Will:
- Gain foundational knowledge, skills and tools that will enhance their leadership success.
- Connect with and learn from colleagues from across the organization.
- Set and work towards personal leadership development goals and plans.
- Contribute to a learning and leadership culture at SFU.
Eligibility:
We welcome expressions of interest from candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Is a continuing SFU employee (APSA or Excluded)
- Is currently in a management/leadership role, with direct staff reports (supervisory responsibilities)
- Has been in any management role for 10 years or less (at or outside of SFU)
- Has leadership development or a related goal articulated in their Performance Development Plan
- Can commit to engage fully in program elements and activities
- Demonstrates willingness and commitment to one’s own learning and development
- Has support from their manager for full participation in the program
2024 Leadership Foundation Graduating Cohort
- Candidates: Please submit a completed .
- For Candidates' Supervisor: Please request that your supervisor provide their support by way of the .
Fees and Funding:
The program is being funded through the People Strategies Division of the People Equity and Inclusion Office.
Cohort Selection Process:
A team will review Expressions of Interests and create a cohort of ~ 30 leaders who are representative of a diverse cross-section of departments and roles from all VP portfolios.
Questions:
Caitlin Stiles, Associate Director, Leadership Development and Employee Experience @ caitlin.stiles@sfu.ca
Applications are now open for Expressions of Interests into the 25/26 Cohort. Please see below for detailed information.
Application deadline: End of day, Thursday, July 24 2025.