Emerging Leaders II | Apply Now for Fall 2026

Applications Due: August 3, 2026

Who is this program for?

Individuals who have completed Emerging Leaders I and wish to continue to grow their leadership skills. This cohort is for anyone at any level of an organization who are newly in a management role, aspire to be in a management role, or who play or want to play a leadership role within their organization.

Any individual who currently works for a LeadingAge member organization and who has completed Emerging Leaders I is eligible to apply.

 

What should you expect?

Emerging Leaders II helps leaders at all levels of your organization gain crucial skills and insights necessary for navigating leadership effectively. This program builds on competencies developed in Emerging Leaders I and is designed to be the next step in providing leaders in aging services with practical strategies they can use immediately.

Each of the four sessions were designed with input from our Emerging Leaders I graduates, along with leadership development experts at the Maryland Healthcare Education Institute, ensuring the content is timely and relevant for both seasoned and emerging leaders in the field.

Content

Day 1: Communication and Facilitation:  The number one most effective way to engage staff is through your communication approach. Using a facilitative style that shows concern for the other person, allows input, and remains positive will go a long way in developing a trusting relationship.  At the same time, being able to hold people accountable through meaningful and specific conversations not only helps that one person achieve success but also shows the rest of your team members what you value.

Day 2: Courageous Conversations: Being able to have effective conversations in our organizations improves relationships and creates accountability. This interactive workshop teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high stakes, emotional, or risky topics – at all levels of your organization.

Day 3: Coaching Essentials: Coaching is a key component of talent development efforts to guide others to improve performance.  A leader’s ability to develop staff and maximize their growth strengthens units, departments, and organizations.  This workshop identifies the role and responsibilities of a coach, essential coaching competencies, and provides tools, strategies, and real-world practice to enhance a leader’s coaching skills in order to lead through change and achieve results.

Day 4: Leading and Leveraging Change: Not all change is the same and yet we may approach all change with the same leadership strategies. Organizations experience developmental, transitional, and transformational change and how a leader promotes and handles change can impact not only the success of an organizational change, but the level of confidence and trust in leaders of that organization. This program focuses on helping leaders plan and implement change effectively by providing both a roadmap and tools for managing resistance and leading change successfully.

Here's what people are saying about their time in Emerging Leaders II...

"This was a fantastic program and I am a better leader for having been part of it. Thank you for the tools and the opportunity to connect with other professionals."

"I loved this program. It really has given me the tools I needed to have difficult conversations and truly deal with situations I may have held off on in the past. I have felt a confidence boost in the work place."

Session Dates 

TBD

 

All sessions take place from 10AM-4PM at Asbury Communities Inc (5285 Westview Dr Ste 200, Frederick, MD  21703)

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Application Information and Instructions

How do I apply? 

Submit your application form  

Applications are due by August 3, 2026

 

Tuition: $700

Tuition includes the costs of learning materials, and breakfast and lunch each day of the program. If a student drops out of the program prior to the first start date the community will be refunded less a 15% processing fee. If the program has already started, the student may be moved to the next cohort or the organization may be credited those funds for a future applicant.

Sponsoring organization commitment

If selected, the participant's organization agrees to:

1. Pay for the program
2. Allow time for the participant to attend all four program sessions
3. Provide a supportive environment in which the participant can begin to practice applying the knowledge and skills gained in each session.

Mentor/Supervisor Commitment

If selected, the participant's mentor/supervisor agrees to:

1. Meet at least once per month to discuss the participant's learnings and goals

Applicant Commitment

If selected, the participant agrees to:

1. Attend and actively participate in each of the course sessions.
2. Complete assignments to enhance the understanding and application of the content areas.
3. Remain employed with a LeadingAge Maryland member for the duration of the program.