| This study examines how a community college can create an in-house leadership program to "grow their own" leaders, in response to a nationwide shortage of qualified administrative leaders, accentuated by the retirement of numerous administrators. The literature suggests that in-house leadership training is a good strategy for community colleges, however, there is no literature explaining how a college should develop a program, based on its own culture and needs.;Action research and qualitative methods were used to define the goals of the future program at the college studied, and make recommendation regarding the program's components, structure, administration, budget, and funding sources. Directors and coordinators of 15 existing Grow-Your Own (GYO) programs were interviewed, to understand how their programs were created and implemented. Secondly, data were collected at the college studied through document reviews, interviews with 12 managers, and monthly stakeholder meetings to evaluate the college's culture, needs, and resources. A focus group was conducted at the end of the study to test the survey findings and recommendations to the college.;The study revealed that a GYO program can be a good strategy for a college to prepare its future leaders at low cost, customize the training to the specific needs and culture, and offer opportunities for participants to apply their new knowledge directly at their college, with the support and guidance of a mentor. However, this type of program presents limitations including a common lack of needs assessments and formal program evaluation, and a risk to overlook important training and competencies by only teaching current strategies and practices, rather than encouraging improvement and innovation. |
