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

• Community listening techniques for legal aid programs