Leading in Uncertainty

This seven-week program brings together peers from across WashU to learn together how to use The Leadership Challenge as a framework to be an effective leader during times of uncertainty. This program utilizes in-person learning sessions, virtual learning sessions, small group discussions, and individual reflection to maximize development throughout the program. We recommend participants set aside up to six hours per week to dedicate to this program, though that will vary by participant and week. Applications open June 25 for fall and spring programs. Requirements vary by iteration.  

What will I learn?

Throughout the seven weeks, we will use the research-backed insights from The Leadership Challenge to navigate times of uncertainty as a leader. We will discuss the importance of growth mindset, especially as a leader, before diving into each of the 5 Exemplary Practices. At the end, we will put all the pieces together, discuss how to use what we learned to improve cross-functional collaboration, action-plan towards achieving your goals, and reflect on how to practically apply all that was learned. Here’s a little more insight on each of the 5 Exemplary Practices and how we will leverage them: 

• Model the Way: Staying grounded in values even in times of change 
• Inspire a Shared Vision: Rallying around common goals 
• Challenge the Process: Lessons learned in hardship 
• Enable Others to Act: Developing talent and strategically delegating  
• Encourage the Heart: Celebrating your team and their wins 

What is the structure of this program?

This program puts into practice the 70-20-10 adult learning model and follows a structure that mostly repeats week over week. Cumulatively, we recommend participants set aside about six hours each week during the seven weeks to dedicate towards Leading in Uncertainty, though that may vary by person and week. There will also be a small amount of pre-work and post-work before and after the seven weeks. 

Weeks one and seven will include half day in-person sessions as the core learning experience, while weeks two through six will include 90-minute virtual sessions. Each week will also include the following commitments: 

• Pre-Work (about an hour) 
• Individual Reflection, Practice Activities (about two hours) 
• Small Group Discussion (about an hour) 

Is Leading in Uncertainty right for me?

Currently, there are two programs of Leading in Uncertainty, one for Emerging Leaders and one for Managers of Managers. You must be full-time WashU staff to participate and have manager approval. Individuals must be employed by WashU for at least six months by the start of the program they are applying for. Preference may be given to individuals who have been in their role for one year prior to the start of the program they are applying for.  

Emerging Leaders is designed for full-time WashU staff who manage individuals (students, contract workers or other staff); however, staff without a direct report, but with elevated decision making and collaboration responsibilities also qualify. This program is for staff who have authority to make decisions tied to daily work but usually require manager approval for big picture decisions. Ideal candidates for Emerging Leaders have positions that involve people management, decision making and/or fostering relationships with others. Leading in Uncertainty: Emerging Leaders will be offered Oct. 8 to Nov. 20, 2025, as well as Feb. 3 to March 17, 2026. Large group learning sessions will be held Wednesdays each week in the fall (except the last week in the fall which will be help on Thursday, November 20 due to space restrictions) and Tuesdays in the spring.

The Managers of Managers program is designed for full-time WashU staff who are seeking to improve their leadership skills to impact people and systems multiple layers out from their direct sphere of influence. As the name suggests, this program is for staff who manage people who also manage people. Ideal candidates likely hold final decision-making power for at least some components of the work their team does. They also have positions at WashU that involve people management, decision making and fostering relationships with others. Managers of Managers will be offered Feb. 4 to March 18, 2026. Large group learning sessions will be held each Wednesday.

Attendance at the week one and seven sessions (as indicated in the application) is mandatory for involvement in the program. Participants may miss up to one virtual session and one small group session. Participants must be available to commit six to eight hours each week to the program and have approval from their supervisor as indicated in the required Supervisor Approval form due during the application period. Participants must also agree to the Leadership & Management Development Community Agreements that will be shared out upon being offered the opportunity to participate in Leading in Uncertainty.  

How do I apply?

Applications for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 programs will open Wednesday, June 25 and are due Friday, July 18.

Interested staff will complete an application form that includes some short answer questions. Upon submitting that form, a Manager Support Form will be automatically sent to the applicant’s manager. It is highly recommended applicants discuss this opportunity with their manager before applying, as the Manager Support Form is due by Friday, July 25. This program requires approval and participation from their manager.  

The link to apply will be found at the top of this page when applications are open.