As business and nonprofit enterprises in New Hampshire face an ultra-tight labor market, investing in their best and brightest employees can make the difference in retaining them. The Business & Industry Association’s (BIA) fourth annual Emerging Leader Training can give organizations the edge they need.

BIA, in partnership with Sojourn Partners and the University of New Hampshire’s CEO & Family Enterprise Center, offers an exclusive and proven leadership development training program that provides coaching and training for participants in six, day-long sessions spread over six months. Applications are being accepted for the 2021-2022 program that begins Sept. 23.

“As New Hampshire employers struggle to find workers in this tight labor market, it’s critical to retain and develop their best,” said BIA President Jim Roche. “Emerging Leader Training helps employers support and invest in their most talented employees who will likely be leading their enterprises tomorrow.”

Leadership skills are in demand more than ever and emerging employee leaders represent the future of successful enterprises. How to communicate, influence, work with various teams, think strategically and lead change are critical to organizational success. Emerging Leader Training will help build these management skills. Applicants may include current managers, supervisors or solo contributors who show potential to build their management and leaderships skills to benefit your enterprise.

“Business members of both our Family Enterprise Center and CEO support programs are constantly looking ahead to build their teams and plan for inevitable succession,” said Michelline Dufort, director of the CEO & Family Enterprise Center. “The Emerging Leader Training program will be a strong tool in their development toolbox. We welcome the opportunity to work with Sojourn Partners and BIA to deliver it to them.”

The program focuses on individualized models of leadership, executing change, culture and engagement, communication, teamwork and more. Sojourn has been empowering employees and transforming large and small businesses and nonprofit organizations for over 20 years. Sojourn’s coaches and facilitators have led hundreds of programs and workshops and are focused full-time on developing people and organizations. All possess advanced degrees and extensive training and experience in coaching and development.

“Sojourn leverages its collective experience to provide a personalized framework for an effective leader — not only for the individual but for an effective leader within the corresponding organization. The results are confident and authentic leaders who will execute positive, sustainable change,” said Matthias Downey, a BIA Emerging Leaders 2019-2020 graduate.

The program focuses on developing confidence and competencies for leaders within all enterprise sizes and types. Program objectives include:

Increase traditional leadership and management competencies, including strategic and critical thinking, motivation, change, relationship management, mentoring, emotional intelligence, communications and strategies for improving team culture.

* Develop and practice contemporary transformational leadership competencies.

* Create leadership dialogue, language and tools through experiential learning in real time.

* Create a network of peer coaches and mentors that will help continue growth and support through leadership challenges long after the program has ended.

* Create a sense of “team” and “support” within their organization.

* Improve professional relationships and communication of their teams, thereby improving operational results.

* Create personal development and business improvement plans for each participant.

* Increase confidence levels regarding program content and behavior as a leader.

The first of the six sessions will be held Thursday, Sept. 23 at BIA’s office in Concord. For a complete schedule and agenda, or to enroll, visit https://bit.ly/BIAEmergingLeaders or call (603) 224-5388 ext. 101 for information. Cost of the six-month program is $3,400 for BIA members and $3,900 for future BIA members.

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