Authentic and Effective Leadership

Employee engagement studies, conducted by Gallup, consistently show on average in the U.S. only 33% of workers are highly engaged. Results from these studies find that authentic, inspirational leaders who provide their people a sense of purpose, invest time in developing their people, and approach leadership from a “coach” perspective versus a directive top-down boss, greatly enhance employee engagement and team performance. Thus, the key to high team performance and employee engagement is authentic and effective leadership.

This 1-day program will provide the participant with the foundation of authentic and effective leadership, while exploring who the leader is as a person. Fully understanding the factors driving behavior enhances leadership authenticity, assists in building trust with others, increases leader effectiveness, and contributes to personal fulfillment and team performance.

During this session, participants will immediately apply the learnings to developing a personal leadership plan, resulting in:

  • Increased self-awareness regarding how purpose, values, and mindset influence leader behavior
  • Clarity and understanding of a unique leadership style fitting an individual’s values, purpose, and personality
  • The ability to effectively manage oneself and connect with others
  • Enhanced authenticity and effectiveness through the creation of a leadership philosophy
  • The application of various forms of leadership behavior to achieve optimal personal and professional performance

Course Details

Date(s): February 27, 2026

Course Fee:

The cost of the program is $995 and includes the ACLC assessment, materials, continental breakfast and lunch, and is due in full at time of registration.

Wake Forest University alumni, faculty, and staff receive a 25% tuition discount. If multiple participants are interested in attending from your organization, please contact us for multi-attendee discount information. Please contact executivewake@wfu.edu for more details.

Authentic and Effective Leadership is one of several open enrollment leadership programs. Programs are presented on a rotating basis throughout the year with completion of four programs resulting in a Certificate in Leadership from Wake Forest Executive Education and the School of Business’ Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character. Interested participants are able to register for this program individually or combine it with 3 other programs in the series to earn the certificate.

Meet the Faculty

Pat Sweeney
Patrick Sweeney, Ph.D.
Professor of the Practice of Management and the Executive Director of Wake Forest School of Business’ Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character.
Wake Forest University

Additional Information

Who should attend?

This program is designed for both new and experienced leaders wishing to enhance their authenticity and lead in a manner to significantly increase employee engagement within their team/organization.  Interested participants are encouraged to attend individually or in teams from their organizations.

Schedule

Schedule: 8:00am- 4:15pm

  • 8:00 – 8:20 Arrival and Breakfast
  • 8:20 – 8:30 Introductions and program overview
  • 8:30 – 10:15 Session 1 -Purpose and Values: The Foundation of Your Leadership
  • 10:15 – 10:30 Break
  • 10:30 – 12:00 Session 2 -Emotional Intelligence: The Leader’s Competitive Advantage
  • 12:00 – 12:30 Lunch
  • 12:30 – 2:00 Session 3 -Values-Based Leadership: The Key to Inspiration and Engagement
  • 2:00 – 2:15 Break
  • 2:15 – 3:30 Session 4 -Leadership Philosophy: The Key to Authenticity
  • 3:30 – 4:00 Individual leadership plan development
  • 4:00 – 4:15 Program wrap-up and closing comments
Materials

Course materials are included in the cost of tuition. Course materials will be distributed in paper format at the beginning of the workshop. Electronic materials can be provided upon request.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Program Cancellation

This course is offered contingent upon sufficient enrollment. If a course must be cancelled, all registered participants will be notified at least five (5) calendar days before the course’s start date. All registered participants will receive a 100% tuition refund. No fees will be charged for cancelled courses.=

Individual Cancellation – Refund Policy

Prospective participants who withdraw at least 10 days prior to the start of a course will receive a full refund of tuition paid.

ACLC Assessment

This workshop requires an assessment administered by the Wake Forest Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character. Once the assessment is distributed to participants, the assessment fee of $100 is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Contact Us

For more information, or to speak with a program adviser, please send an email to executivewake@wfu.edu

Interested in Custom Programs?

With our custom programs, you’re able to build a stronger, smarter team—your way.