Department Chair
Training

At the end of this program, department chair participants should be able to:

• Identify their core strengths and potential derailers through self-reflection and assessment tools.
• Demonstrate how self-awareness can be used to build and lead high-functioning academic departments.
• Interpret feedback from self-assessments and colleagues to enhance their own self-awareness.
• Analyze varying interpersonal styles and perspectives to more effectively engage with faculty colleagues and leaders across their institution.
• Apply leadership strategies that promote psychological safety, collaboration, and constructive dissent in their department.

In-Person Event: Alignment and Kickoff

A kickoff meeting will be held with the fellows, facilitators, and TBC representatives. After the meeting fellows will be directed to the online learning hub to access the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment and complete a goals assessment.

Virtual Facilitated Group Learning Modules

Module 1: Understanding Self /  Leverage the above behavioral assessment to improve self-awareness and explore how these behavioral needs impact others and influence leadership style.

Module 2: Leading Self /  Learn how your emotional intelligence, resilience, and mindfulness impact leadership effectiveness.

Module 3: Communicating Effectively /  Enhance communication practices that drive understanding and collaboration.

Module 4: Leading Teams /  Discover best practices for building high-performing and engaged teams.

Module 5: Leadership Brand /  Learn what separates leaders from managers and how to lead with authenticity and inspire others.

In-Person Event: Putting it into Action and Wrap Up

Each fellow will share with the cohort what they learned from the program, their action steps, and their professional goals. This will be followed by closing remarks and a reception.

Session 1 will be a 1.5 day program. All virtual sessions are on Fridays from 12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory for participation in and completion of the program.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of Bentley University | Lead Facilitator: Paul Tesluk

Executive Director of TBC: Kitty Kennedy, kkennedy@boston-consortium.org

Director of Programs at TBC: Jessica Smith, jsmith@boston-consortium.org

All member institutions are encouraged to participate in the program. Each institution may select two participants with an opportunity to send additional individuals, if space is available.

Please complete and return the submission form by August 3, 2026.

Program Cost: $1,200 per participant to be funded by the member institution.