Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join LeadNow? You don't! LeadNow® is not a club you join or class that you have to sign up to take. It is a leadership development program open to all Concordia students. You participate in LeadNow by attending 90-minute workshops (sessions) and serving in the community. See the list of sessions here.

What can I expect when participating in a LeadNow® session? Expect 90-minutes of interactive and engaging activities designed for you to learn about the many facets of leadership. A combination of methods will be used (activities with others, personal reflection and writing, with a small amount of lecture). We purposefully design our sessions to include activities  that accommodate different learning styles. 

Why should I participate in LeadNow® ? LeadNow® is an opportunity for all students to develop and improve their leadership skills. These are skills that will help you in your college career, as well as your career after college. Employers are looking for skills such as: the ability to work with others, to proactively resolve conflicts, and to mentor other leaders, to name a few. You will also meet other people and make new connections!

Is it really necessary to register for the sessions in advance?  Registering for the sessions in advance allows us to plan accordingly for the space and materials needed for each session. It also allows us to send reminders out for those planning on attending and for a faster check-in process at the beginning of each session. Registering in advance is quick and easy with our online form. You can register for one or more sessions at once.

What's a LeadNow® Certification? By participating in LeadNow sessions and service experiences, you can earn three different certifications in leadership: Personal Perspectives (focused on learning more about your own leadership style), Group Perspectives (focused on working and leading within a group, and Global Perspectives (focused on impacting the greater community). 

Can I attend the sessions if I am not intending to earn a certification?  Yes! Although you will get more out of the program by working towards a certification, LeadNow®  sessions are open to all students. 

Do I have to attend the sessions in any type of order? You can attend the sessions within each certification in any order, but we do recommend that you complete (or be close to completing) your Personal Perspectives certification before attending Group Perspectives sessions because many of the sessions build on one another. Global Perspectives should be the third and final certification you pursue. Again, these sessions build on the learning from the previous two certifications. 

How long will it take me to earn a certification? The amount of time it takes to earn a certification will vary depending on how frequently you are able to participate in sessions, service experiences, etc. In general, it will take approximately one academic year to earn each certification. You may be able to complete one certification and begin working on the second certification within one year. LeadNow sessions and experiences are designed so that it is possible to earn a certification in one year by participating for approximately two hours per month. If you can't commit to that level of participation, you can attend sessions as they work with your schedule and finish when you are able - two years, three years or four years!

I’m already a leader on campus, do I really need to participate in LeadNow ®? The best leaders realize that there is always something new to learn and apply to their leadership responsibilities and skills. LeadNow offers many sessions especially geared towards those already in leadership roles. The Group Perspectives sessions offer insight into leading, motivating, and organizing groups of people. Perfect for those in leadership roles who want to hone their current skills.

 

 

Are LeadNow® Certifications recognized outside of Concordia? LeadNow®  certifications are designed to help you develop and, just as importantly, to articulate your leadership skills. Some of the most powerful words a potential employer or grad school can hear are “I did this and this is what I learned from that experience.” The skills you learn in LeadNow  are applicable in everyday life. Although the certification is currently specific to Concordia, it will give you some language to use in resumes, cover letters, applications and interviews that is sure to raise a few eyebrows with potential employers.

 

 

 

I heard my student organization can get money if I go to LeadNow sessions, is that true? Yes! Your student organization can receive up to $150/semester just for participating in LeadNow® . In order to receive LeadNow® funding, you will need to follow a few guidelines found on our student organization grant opportunities page.

Please contact LeadNow staff with any additional questions.

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