The Lab:
Future, Past,
and Present

By Katrina Donald

 

 

Since its inception in 2003, a main objective of the Leadership Learning Lab has been to engage in applied research in order to inform the evolution of Leadership Development programming.

The Lab conducts this applied research by bringing together thought leaders from the community at workshops, forums, and Exploratoriums held throughout the year.

Exploratoriums, along with workshops and forums hosted by The Leadership Learning Lab, explore a wide range of themes, concepts, and processes relevant to leadership. These events provide timely, well-tested information that results in the ongoing integration of new concepts and processes into existing programs. In addition, our Exploratoriums contribute to the development of new programming opportunities for Leadership Development at The Banff Centre.

Examples of program elements that have been introduced to Leadership Development programming, and which have resulted from the Lab’s applied research mandate are: conversation cafes, the creation of the Leadership Arts Ensemble and its repertoire of original plays (The Notebooks of Leonardo DaVinci, Kaleidescope, MidCourse Correction), Playback Dance, and mask making.

The Lab’s research agenda is informed by program staff, participants, and clients. Based on course evaluation, program design feedback, and conversations, as well as market research, the Lab chooses prevalent themes, and explores different aesthetic processes to help us animate them. For example, our fall 2009 Exploratorium schedule tackled the pressing issues of work-life balance through the investigation of mindfulness and reflective practices.

This winter’s schedule focused on systems thinking. We began by examining systems thinking within a theatre rehearsal perspective in ‘Rehearsing the System’ with the help of former artistic director of Theatre Calgary, Ian Prinsloo. Next, in early February, we worked with Parks Canada Scientist Emeritus Cliff White to see how natural systems are observed and affected by human intervention to create change that can be supported both now, and in the future. Our most recent foray into systems thinking brought Felicity Edwards, a partner with The CSE Group to the Lab with her Exploratorium called, Why Systems Thinking Matters. In her session we explored the management of complex relationships, examining how the implications of systems thinking help us to understand the complexity of systems, make decisions, and to learn (or not) from our mistakes.

On March 22, Karen Dawson, faculty member with Leadership Development, and an executive coach with Create Now Leadership Development in Calgary, will be leading a session called Exploring Emotional Intelligence, in which we'll outline the key components of emotional intelligence and explore unique ways to optimize the emotional climates of our homes and workplaces.

Alumni of Leadership Development programs, community members, and anyone interested in Leadership Learning Lab events are welcome to attend these free, stimulating, and thought-provoking sessions.