| The opportunity, with which I was presented at the outset of this research project, was to explore and develop the applied leadership aspects of a new and evolving instructional program providing learning opportunities for elected officials. The sponsoring organization, Royal Roads University (RRU), engaged me as a research associate to assist with the development of a program targeting the possibly unique learning needs of elected officials. The specific details of the program including defining the target audience, developing the curriculum, and even clarifying the need had not yet been established. In response to these and other emerging questions, I worked towards clarifying issues surrounding the proposed program while carrying out the research necessary to answer the specific research question.;What can we learn about how people develop effective applied leadership competencies through the design and development of a post-graduate program of study that a intended to meet the needs of the elected official?;As a thought-starter, the question might be asked, 'what if there was a common framework---an understanding of applied leadership practices---from which our politicians, our elected officials, our chosen leaders, might practice effective decision-making?' (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
