Leadership and Personal Development Program

A Leadership and Personal Development Program is a structured set of activities, workshops, and coaching sessions designed to help group of individuals grow both as effective leaders and as self-aware, goal-oriented professionals, and focus on cultivating both interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

Core Focus Areas

  1. Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
    • Understanding personal strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations
    • Managing emotions and building empathy

  2. Leadership Skills
    • Developing strategic thinking and decision-making
    • Leading teams, resolving conflicts, and motivating others
    • Communicating effectively as a leader

  3. Goal Setting and Personal Vision
    • Defining a clear vision and purpose
    • Setting short and long term personal and professional goals
    • Building habits and routines for sustained growth

  4. Time and Stress Management
    • Balancing priorities
    • Managing workload under pressure
    • Practicing mindfulness and resilience

  5. Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
    • Enhancing confidence in delivering talks or leading discussions
    • Crafting compelling messages for different audiences

  6. Ethics and Integrity
    • Making values-driven decisions
    • Leading with authenticity and accountability

Benefits

  • Builds confidence and self-leadership

  • Prepares individuals for leadership roles in academic, corporate, or entrepreneurial contexts

  • Enhances employability and professional effectiveness

  • Promotes lifelong learning and adaptability

These programs often include activities such as leadership assessments, group projects, mentorship, case studies, and reflective journaling.

Leadership & Personal Development Program Curriculum

Program Duration: 6 sessions (90–120 minutes each) over 6 weeks/months
Delivery Mode: In-person
Facilitator: Career Center Coach/Guest Professionals

Program Overview

This curriculum is designed to develop student leaders who are self-aware, goal-driven, effective communicators, and equipped with the soft skills needed to thrive in the global workforce. The program integrates introspection, practical tools, peer learning, and mentoring.

Session Breakdown

Session 1: Foundations of Leadership and Self-Awareness

Objectives:

  • Understand what leadership means in a global, academic, and professional context

  • Reflect on personal values, strengths, and leadership potential
    Key Activities:

  • Leadership self-assessment

  • Group discussion: “What does leadership look like to me?”

  • Personal values exercise

Session 2: Emotional Intelligence & Interpersonal Skills

Objectives:

  • Learn the components of emotional intelligence (EQ)

  • Practice empathy, active listening, and constructive communication
    Key Activities:

  • EQ self-check

  • Active listening role-play

  • Group debrief: “Leading with empathy”

Session 3: Communication & Public Speaking

Objectives:

  • Strengthen verbal and non-verbal communication skills

  • Build confidence in speaking and presenting
    Key Activities:

  • Elevator pitch creation and feedback

  • Public speaking mini-challenges

  • Peer evaluations

Session 4: Time Management & Goal Setting

Objectives:

  • Learn strategies to manage academic, personal, and career-related priorities

  • Set personal or leadership SMART goals
    Key Activities:

  • Time audit activity

  • SMART goals workshop

  • Group coaching on setting and refining goals

Session 5: Leading in Teams & Conflict Resolution

Objectives:

  • Understand leadership roles in collaborative settings

  • Learn practical conflict resolution and team dynamics techniques
    Key Activities:

  • Leadership style quiz

  • Team scenario role-plays

  • Case studies: “When team leadership goes wrong”

Session 6: Personal Growth, Reflection, and Action Planning

Objectives:

  • Reflect on learning and growth throughout the program

  • Commit to a personal development action plan
    Key Activities:

  • Guided reflection (journal prompts or group circle)

  • Create a Leadership Vision Board

  • Closing ceremony and certificate distribution

Supplementary Materials

  • Participant workbook or journal

  • Pre- and post-program reflection sheets

  • Resource pack (TED Talks, articles, goal templates)

  • Optional mentoring with AIT alumni or industry partners

Outcomes & Assessment

At the end of the program, students will be able to:

  • Identify their leadership style and strengths

  • Set and pursue personal and professional goals

  • Communicate effectively in teams and interviews

  • Lead with empathy and confidence

  • Navigate challenges and manage stress proactively