Focus on Purpose and Values

Effective leaders have a strong sense of purpose and an understanding of their core values. Through a structured and supportive environment, the Shannon Institute challenges participants to:

• Define the purpose of their work

• Clarify the core values they want their life and work to exemplify

• Develop strategies to increase their effectiveness, commitment, energy and satisfaction

Cohorts are intentionally diverse in terms of background, experience, race, culture, gender and discipline. Participants come from philanthropy, arts, health, environment, education, government and business. Participants benefit from the diversity of perspectives and experiences that their cohorts offer as much as they do from the deep work of personal reflection and development.

Each cohort is served by an experienced facilitator who works with the group throughout the Institute year. As needed, additional faculty may join the group to assist with particular program elements. The creative programming is designed to stimulate growth and learning, providing opportunities for both shared experience and individual reflection.

Experiential Learning

The Shannon Institute provides each cohort with a multitude of experiences to stimulate reflection, understanding and growth. Participants share in a variety of activities such as canoeing, mask-making, and orienteering as ways to explore ideas such as risk-taking and courage, values clarification, balance and generosity.

A Variety of Program Settings

Shannon cohorts spend time together away from their daily routines, giving them space and time to focus on themselves, their values, and their goals. The schedule of gatherings, and the variety of contexts in which they take place, give participants the time and space they need to address their own leadership skills, styles and aspirations. 

Participation

The James. P. Shannon Institute is designed for experienced leaders who have a commitment to public and community service. Participants come from nonprofit and civic organizations, government and business; but all want the opportunity for personal and professional renewal so as to improve the creativity, energy, and effectiveness of their service.