Leadership programs, including those focused on agricultural and natural resource adult leadership development, do more than just educate; they create networks of professionals who continue to influence the industry long after their formal training ends. The strength of these alumni networks often determines the lasting impact of the programs themselves, as graduates who remain engaged can continue to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities, enriching the entire field. I'm pleased to share the results from a multi-level study I conducted across 23 adult leadership development programs including 2,200 individuals from 262 different cohorts specifically looking at predictors of individual intentions to participate in alumni programming.
Key Findings:
Group Dynamics Matter: Group-level satisfaction within a leadership cohort positively influences participants' intentions to stay connected through alumni programs. This suggests that the collective experience within the program can drive ongoing engagement.
Unexpected Outcomes in Opinion Leadership: Interestingly, high levels of opinion leadership within a cohort were negatively related to the intention to participate in alumni programs. This could imply that those who already see themselves as strong leaders may feel less need to remain engaged, potentially due to a perceived self-sufficiency.
Recommendations:
Balancing Individual and Group Needs: Leadership educators should consider both individual and group dynamics when designing programs, ensuring that the overall group experience fosters long-term engagement among all participants.
Encouraging Continuous Learning: It is essential to remind all participants, regardless of their perceived leadership status, of the value of ongoing learning and engagement, particularly through alumni networks.
Maintaining strong connections with alumni can often be just as important as the leadership program itself. These alumni networks are critical for the continued growth and development of the agricultural sector, ensuring that the benefits of leadership programs extend far beyond the end of a specific program. By understanding the dynamics within these groups, we can better design programs that not only educate but also develop a robust commitment to leadership and community within the agricultural and food industry. I've included the full article below if you would like to learn more. Please be sure to share your insights using the comments.
Lamm, K. W., & Lamm, A. J. (2019). A multi-level evaluation of the relationship between leadership program satisfaction, opinion leadership, and intent to participate in alumni programs. Journal of Leadership Education, 18(4), 39-46. https://doi.org/10.12806/V18/I4/R4
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