Impact

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) decided to make a radical investment in their central office leaders. By design, school districts allocate resources in direct service of students and schools. DPSCD held a both/and view: a deeply held value of Students First, and a recognition that central office leaders are critical as they carry out organizational vision in service of students and schools. Researchers highlight the importance of learning organizations that prioritize central office leadership development (Honig et al, 2012). However, these leaders are overlooked when it comes to professional development. 

Leadwell and DPSCD partnered to create the DPSCD Leadership Forum - a cohort-based program for central office leaders of all levels. Over six months, Leadwell designed 54 modules grounded in research-based competencies  - including facilitator guides, session plans, session presentations, participant workbooks, and evaluation surveys - with DPSCD feedback at every step of the way. Leadwell facilitated a Train-the-Trainer to position DPSCD leaders to facilitate the program. This signature professional development program is rooted in experiential learning and grounded in equity. The curriculum creates space to form a transformational community while building lasting skills.  

Participants have stepped into larger roles, grown as managers, and shifted organizational culture. Upon completion of the pilot:   

• Approximately 23% of participants earned a promotion within the calendar year 

• Leaders applied tactical management skills to support their teams and achieve results, facilitating more effective check-ins, giving direct feedback, and leveraging project management frameworks

• Participants transformed collaboration and connection, building trust with one another and creating new cross- departmental collaboration structures 

Participants said:

“I left this program with a lot of insightful information and useful tools to begin implementing in my current role and in preparation for a future leadership role.”  - Aspiring Managers cohort participant

“The Leadership Forum allowed me to think more critically about what it truly means to be an effective leader and how to lead with an equitable and inclusive mindset. It allowed me to connect with colleagues across the district to engage in personal growth that in turn will help me to influence positive change within my team and ultimately throughout the District. " - Managers cohort participant 

Clients said: 

Leadwell “helped us move from a big idea to a fully realized initiative, and through each step in the journey, they brought knowledge, skill and thought partnership that pushed our work to the next level. We are so grateful to be their partners.” - Elizabeth Cutrona, Deputy Superintendent of Strategy and Academics, Detroit Public Schools Community District

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) sought to transform culture and strengthen engagement within their Central Services team. DCPS partnered with Leadwell to offer customized Leadwell Accelerator workshops focused on specific leadership skills, capacities, and mindsets in order to advance their strategic priorities and cultural work. DCPS and Leadwell collaborated to identify 9 out of the existing 54 Leadwell Accelerator modules to offer DCPS Central Services leaders, through a series of three workshops:

• Transforming Culture, focused on:  leading with purpose & strengths, inclusive culture, and collaboration. 100% of participants strongly agreed or agreed with the statement: “Overall, this workshop was a valuable use of my time”

• Leadership Fundamentals, exploring: ways of being & doing in leadership, feedback, and influence. 100% of participants strongly agreed or agreed with the statement: “The workshop was well facilitated”

• Excel Now & Develop for Future, empowering aspiring managers to identify and build on their strengths, give feedback, and motivate others. 100% of participants strongly agreed or agreed with the statement: “The workshop gave me useful ideas and tools to improve in my job.”  

DCPS invited members of existing cross-departmental leadership groups to opt-in to the workshop series as participants. Each workshop guided participants to explore three frames of leadership: knowing SELF, supporting TEAMS, and navigating SYSTEMS. Participants focused on research-based competencies such as: Self awareness, Self development, Give feedback, Build inclusive culture, Collaborate, and Influence. DCPS also chose to offer a Train-the-Trainer to equip DCPS leaders to expand the reach of the Leadwell Accelerator workshops, delivering content throughout their departments. DCPS Central Services leaders gained leadership skills in community with one another. Participants said:

“I have learned a lot in such a short period of time; actionable items that I can immediately implement in my current role at my organization.”

“I loved the warm and engaging environment that the Leadwell Accelerator workshop created. This created a bonding experience for me and my colleagues to learn together, supporting our professional and personal growth. I feel empowered to implement today's learning in my workplace.”

Woven Care is changing lives, one child at a time. Woven Care is serious about this vision. They have served Colorado children and families with high quality pediatric therapy for over 15 years. In their 10+ clinics, Woven Care meets every child where they are, offering comprehensive and coordinated pediatric care and therapy services. Woven Care came to Leadwell because they sought to pour into their clinic leaders - just as they pour into the children and families they serve. They have a bold growth plan and need leaders with the skills to grow the company. 

Woven Care partnered with Leadwell to develop the management skills and capacities of their clinical managers. These leaders are trained and accomplished therapists, who have been promoted into team leadership positions. They bring expertise to the patients they continue to serve. Woven Care saw an opportunity to invest in their professional development as managers of large teams of people.

The Leadwell Accelerator is a research-based leadership development curriculum that empowers cohorts of leaders to immediately put management tools and frameworks into practice with their teams. Leadwell adapted this comprehensive curriculum into a three-day workshop experience - plus a two-hour virtual session - for Woven Care managers. Leadwell Accelerator Day One grounded the cohort in leading with purpose, strengths, and equity. 100% of participants strongly agreed/ agreed that the workshop gave them useful ideas and tools to improve in their jobs. Day Two focused on effective feedback and inclusive team culture. 100% of participants strongly agreed/ agreed that the workshop was a valuable use of their time. One manager shared: “This program was simply amazing. It provided hands-on and directly applicable strategies for my everyday interactions with my team. I am leaving today with more confidence and optimism with my abilities and potential growth in leadership positions.” The theme of Day Three was motivating and empowering staff. Not only did 100% of participants again strongly agree/ agree that the workshop gave them useful ideas and tools to improve in their jobs. 100% also strongly agreed/ agreed that the workshop created space to build relationship with peers. 

There is something special about the culture of Woven Care. During each workshop day, there was tremendous joy in the room. During breaks in the content, the cohort enjoyed fresh air together, shared family photos, and laughed together. Each Woven Care clinic leader entered this experience with unique strengths and expertise. They entered this experience with deep and authentic relationships with one another. Through the Leadwell Accelerator, this community of leaders added concrete management frameworks to their daily practices. One manager shared: “This workshop has made a huge impact on my professional journey. It has helped me learn so much about myself as a leader and how I can support my team. I would recommend [the Leadwell Accelerator] to anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge on leadership and self-awareness in the workplace.” As Woven Care continues to grow and serve more Colorado families, their clinic leaders are well-positioned to support their teams to meet big goals and to thrive.