Core Competencies and Curriculum Framework


Our Leadership Institute curriculum is arranged in terms of seven essential competencies that leaders must possess: these are both a yardstick against which progress can be measured, and a clear path for mentors and fellows alike to follow.

 

Curriculum topics under each competency are set out below.

 

1. COMMUNICATING STRATEGIC INTENT

  • The values, vision and mission of legal aid – and what these mean for us
  • Communications and media strategies
  • Crafting a message – getting it right for your audience

2. SELF AWARENESS

  • The effect of preconceptions
  • Self assessment and personality types
  • 360 feedback – how others see us and what it means

3. ACHIEVING WORKABLE UNITY

  • Collaborative decision making and other decision making models
  • Relationship skills, meeting planning, and facilitation tools
  • Cultural competence and cross-cultural communications 

4. SYSTEMS AND STRATEGIC THINKING 

  • Problem analysis - cause and effect
  • Stakeholder analysis, power mapping, and environmental scanning
  • Issue and tactic selection strategies for advocacy campaigns

5. DELIVERING ON STRATEGIC INTENT

  • Defining goals
  • Project planning, team management, and resource budgeting
  • Outcome measurement and evaluation

6. DEVELOPING NEW LEADERS

  • Mentoring skills – working with, and as, a mentor
  • Learning styles and issues of difference
  • Feedback and critiquing skills

7. FOSTERING THE PROCESS OF RENEWAL 

  • Community listening techniques for legal aid programs