FAQs
How much time will this take?
The facilitated courses take 4 hours and the Extraordinary Leaders Workshop takes 8 hours. The online courses will typically take 1 hour and can be done at your convenience.
Can I do half of one module one day and the rest at another time?
Facilitated courses must be taken in their entirety at one time. Online courses can be stopped and resumed at another time.
Will my ACS group (local section, region, division, committee, etc) require me to participate?
No. While this training will make you a more effective ACS volunteer you alone can make the commitment to enhance your skills. The courses can also provide a great benefit to you in your job as the skills are transferable.
Can non-ACS members enroll?
Not yet, but several non-ACS groups and companies have approached ACS in the hope of getting their employees and members into the courses. If ACS does allow non-members, they will be charged the commercial cost of the courses (similar non-ACS courses cost hundreds of dollars).
Can my employer enroll its employees in this system?
No. This is an ACS program and is a benefit of membership. However, if ACS does allow non-members to register, companies will be charged the commercial cost of the courses (similar non-ACS courses cost hundreds of dollars).
Can the courses be delivered on-site for employee training?
Possibly. Once the full Leadership Development System has been rolled out to ACS members it may be made available to other organizations (universities, companies and other societies) at a commercial price.
Will I be “certified” in Leadership after completing the courses?
Not at this time. ACS is looking into certification however, one of the key benefits of the courses is that the concepts and skills can be immediately applied and put into practice in your personal, professional and volunteer life.
Is this program accredited or recognized by other organizations?
No.
Is there a certificate that I can use as support documentation for my tenure/promotion package?
The team developing the Leadership Development System is looking into this.
How does this fit into my career plan?
Anyone, at any stage of their career will gain from these leadership courses. The Leadership Development System is a curriculum of courses built on the main competencies for success at every level of leadership experience. Therefore, whether you are new to a leadership role or a veteran leader, there are courses focused on your level of experience and the skills appropriate to a specific leadership role. This building block approach ensures that as your knowledge and experience grows; there will be the appropriate courses to keep you expanding your leadership capabilities. Courses similar to these at larger companies are usually only available to “rising stars” and senior management.
How will the courses help me in the lab?
The courses teach highly practical people skills. If you work in a lab or research facility, you will gain skills and an understanding that will enable you to manage projects more effectively, run meetings with greater input and efficiency, and communicate with others to ensure cooperation and understanding.
How will the courses help me to obtain a management position within my company?
The leadership courses will give you practical information and teach you vital skills that will make you a more effective communicator and team leader. You will be able to demonstrate your newfound skills and position yourself as a strong management candidate. Having these skills will make it easier to be selected and move into a management role and increase the chance of success once you are there.
Will I be assigned a mentor?
A mentor program is being developed and will be rolled out in 2009.
Who are the instructors for the courses?
The instructors are committed and experienced ACS volunteers who have been certified to teach specific courses. The certification is obtained through extensive training and evaluation by both the Leadership Development System Team and the external consultants who helped develop the courses.
Why are there online and facilitated courses?
The use of online modules allows the courses to be available 24x7 so ACS members can take advantage of the system when it is convenient for them. The more costly facilitated courses focus on topics that cannot be delivered via the web. The facilitated courses allow more exchange of ideas and experience between attendees and the session leader. There is also an opportunity for directed feedback and guidance from the facilitator.
How will my progress be tracked?
The Leadership Development System will record the courses you take and alert you to opportunities to take appropriate subsequent courses. You and your employer can also use this record to plan your professional development needs as you plan your career path and in your volunteer positions with ACS.
Will I be able to download my transcript?
Members will have online access the record of the courses they have completed.
Do I have to take the courses in any particular order?
No. However, many of the courses build on the material in others and are designed for specific levels of experience and leadership roles. To ensure the greatest value from the system, it makes sense to take the basic courses first.
Is there a time frame in which I must complete the coursework?
No.
Will other courses be designed to cover additional subject areas?
Yes. We expect other ACS Leadership training will be available and that the availability of the system will encourage and facilitate additional courses for different ACS groups
How does the ACS Leadership Development System differ from similar programs?
The ACS Leadership Development System is unique in that it has been specifically developed for leadership situations in a volunteer organization. Other programs tend to merge management with leadership and focus on business or employer / employee scenarios.
As a professor/teacher/instructor/consultant, can I use some of the materials from these courses for my own program?
No, the material is copyrighted. Significant ACS assets (both time and money) went into its preparation. The facilitators have all been trained to deliver the material and are certified as trainers by the management/leadership consultants who worked with ACS on the Leadership Development System. However, you can share some of the material to show others the concepts behind the course. Of course the best way to use the material is to incorporate into your everyday actions and behaviors.
Why does ACS need the Leadership Development System?
ACS’ mission is “Improving people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry.” The Leadership Development System goal is to equip our volunteer members as empowered, committed and skilled leaders driving this dynamic vision. The Leadership Development System is a unique member benefit that strengthens the leadership skills of its volunteers and advances its members in their careers.
How will my participation in Leadership Development System help the ACS?
ACS wants you to succeed as a volunteer, as a professional and in your personal life. The Leadership Development System will help you gain the support and skills you need to do just that. You will also benefit from the ability to learn with other chemists and network with them throughout the course.
How will my participation in Leadership Development System help my employer?
They will gain a more skilled, confident and effective employee. They will see the difference in your performance and your ability to lead others!
What’s the difference between management and leadership?
Management involves making things happen, supervising details, minimizing impediments, usually in an employer-employee situation. Leadership involves creating opportunities, energizing individuals, inspiring, helping, promoting change and improvement.
Do I need both management and leadership to be an effective supervisor?
Yes. Leadership involves developing a vision or plan – this could be for your life, career or just your weekend. You will be more effective as a supervisor if you can lead the people you work with rather than just “manage” them. “Leadership” skills become more of a focus as you move “up” an organization, but even the most senior leaders need to understand how to implement their vision.