Leadership Program

SUMMARY

Leadership is the process of applying a set of values, attributes and skills that are conducive to influencing oneself and others to achieve a set of common goals.

The program seeks to develop the next generation of Muslim leaders: well-rounded professionals who feel equally at home in the public and private sectors. Its aims to produce dynamic Islamic leaders who will pioneer social change by acquiring knowledge and wisdom, and practicing da’wah with perceptiveness and communication that is convincing and effective.

It combines academic inspiration and training from leading specialists, on the job training through engagement with regional and global challenges, and individual development and executive mentoring and coaching support by harnessing modern digital, interactive, personalised and virtual learning systems.

AT A GLANCE

Duration: 2 years [Part 1- January to December 2024; Part 2- 5- January to December 2024]
Online Learning: Structure self-paced modules and Live sessions
F2F Residentials: 5 weekends (over 1 year)
Mentoring: Paired with a mentor for the duration of the program
Cost: £1200 (All selected participants will be awarded a bursary for the full cost)
Cohort Group: 20 participants and 20 mentors and instructors

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The two-year experiential learning journey will provide Fellows with the tools, frameworks and experiences required to become:

1. Value-based and ethically driven citizens who have a well-grounded, balanced understanding of Islam.
2. God-conscious and people caring; conscientious, morally upright and exemplary in character.
3. Leaders who contribute positively to the growth and development of a just and peaceful society.
4. Role models, mentors and changemakers – possessing the capacity to evaluate, form decisions and take action based on doctrinally grounded principles and beliefs, morals and ethics.

UNIQUE FEATURES
The leadership program offers the following unique features:

1. Comprehensive curriculum- a faith-inspired personal and skills development Program geared towards fellows engaged in their community, knowledgeable about its diversity and passionate about change. The curriculum provides sound knowledge and understanding of Islamic traditions and values rooted in a balanced and comprehensive interpretation.
2. Self-paced online learning- Bite-size training material, designed for flexibility and to allow engagement of Fellow from different global geographical regions.
3. Mentoring – carefully matching Fellows with leaders from other sectors to inspire, guide and share good leadership practice.
4. Peer-to-peer support – the opportunity to engage with and learn from peers in similar roles and from expert practitioners and academics in key areas of concern both online and in residential settings.
5. Praxis – giving space and time for the practice and integration of new knowledge and insights in-between modules working with non-governmental organisations.
6. Accreditation – Delegates who successfully complete the program will be awarded certificates from IIIT and IIUM.
   
   PROGRAM STRUCTURE
   
   ILEAD offers a dynamic, two-part leadership journey designed to empower leaders with a holistic understanding of leadership.
   
   PART 1: Living with Purpose for high-potential leaders.
   
   A unique leadership experience for high-potential leaders to develop a well-grounded, balanced understanding of Islam needed to become role models, mentors and changemakers – possessing the capacity to evaluate, form decisions and take action based on doctrinally grounded principles and beliefs, morals and ethics. It will allow Fellows to develop confidence and remove self-doubt, break through barriers, aspire to inspire, and grow the foundations needed for their future success.
   
   This foundational phase focuses on deepening participants’ understanding of faith-inspired leadership. Key components include:
   
   • Exploring the heart: Discovering personal purpose and building a profound connection with one’s faith.
   • Engaging the mind: Mastering contemporary leadership theories, power dynamics, and leadership psychology.
   • Cultivating character: Developing virtues such as wisdom, courage, empathy, and humility.
   • Practical applications: Hands-on experiences, including internships and projects, to apply knowledge to real-world challenges.
   • Diversity and inclusion: Embracing and celebrating the richness of diverse perspectives.
   
   PART 2: Leading with Purpose for senior leaders.
   
   This program is designed for graduates from the Living with Purpose program. It aims to equip leaders to all the key leadership skills needed to better collaborate across boundaries to transform systems and organizations.
   For graduates of Part 1, this phase delves into advanced leadership skills, including:
   • Effective communication and emotional intelligence.
   • Global perspectives: Cross-cultural leadership and international case studies.
   • Sustainability and impact measurement.
   • Customized learning paths, including online courses tailored to participants’ interests.
   • Ongoing mentorship and community engagement.
   • Strategic partnerships to broaden impact.
   Core Learning Areas:
   Our curriculum integrates faith-based values with contemporary leadership theories, including:
   • Transformational leadership.
   • Servant leadership.
   • Emotional intelligence.
   • Ethical leadership.
   • Adaptive leadership.
   VALUES

The following are the 6 core values of the program

1. Service
2. Empowerment
3. Excellence
4. Integrity
5. Inclusive
6. Fun

TARGET GROUP

This pilot program caters for 20 participants and 20 Mentors- university students, graduates and professionals who have a keen interest in developing their knowledge, understanding, practice and skills.

Fellows should possess the qualities:

• Imaginative: Individuals who are creative in their problem-solving, and who can imagine change in an innovative and visionary manner
• Inquisitive: Individuals who are curious about the wider context in which they operate, and take an interest in areas outside of their specialisms and different ways of thinking and being
• Passionate: Individuals who can demonstrate purpose, self-motivation, and enthusiasm about the change they wish to bring about
• Courageous: Individuals who aren’t afraid of change, having difficult conversations, and confronting their fears
• Authenticity: individuals who are self-aware, recognise their strengths and weakness, and are deeply engaged with their communities
• Compassionate: Individuals who care deeply about others, and are committed to helping their community and solving societal issues

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

• 20 to 35 years with a fluency (both written and spoken) in English
• Open to diversity of thought and aspire to become positive changemakers.
• Track record of participating & volunteering in within local community.
• Can give commitment of time and energy to benefit from the program.
• Possess basic social media and IT skills.
• A courageous, action-oriented risk taker.
• A potential strategic thinker who has creative ideas and wants to shape and influence the future.
• A reflective practitioner who wishes to learn from experience, group work, as well as formal teaching situations.

FELLOWS EXPECTATIONS
Fellows will be encouraged to:
• Engage in active self-reflection, appreciating the importance of self-knowledge in leadership;
• Support fellow participants by taking responsibility for the co-creation of a safe and respectful learning environment within the setting of the Program;
• Enhance their critical and creative thinking enabling them to consider new ways to meet ongoing personal and community challenges, and vision new futures;
• Consider pastoral care practices and how to support wellbeing within Muslim communities;
• Increase in their knowledge and understanding of the media and public spheres, and learn how to engage within these at various levels;
• Increase in knowledge and understanding of other faith and minority communities and the power of dialogue and collaboration with such communities to further shared values and goals;
• Refine their capacity for communication with different audiences including navigating differences of various kinds, and the ability to translate Islamic culture, values and wisdom for both a Muslim and non-Muslim audience.

PROGRAM DELIVERY

The Program is delivered through a series of live webinars, residentials, structured workshops, “in-conversation” expert panel sessions, and online learning – bringing together a diverse global group of Muslims who are actively serving in leadership roles.
Mentoring Element:
Each participant is carefully matched with a mentor from diverse backgrounds, fostering growth and cross-pollination of ideas. Mentorship promotes:
• Exposure to different leadership styles.
• Reflection on program impact and personal growth.
• Lifelong friendships and collaboration.
Continuous Improvement:
We embrace a culture of continuous improvement, regularly updating our curriculum based on feedback and evolving leadership trends.
Online Courses and Readings:
Participants have access to a curated selection of online courses and readings, including titles such as:
• “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek.
• “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman.
• “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink.
Online courses on leadership, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and more.
Internship for Hands-on Experience:
Participants engage in internship opportunities, setting clear goals for practical experiences, projects, and leadership roles within organizations and communities.
Reviews and Reflections:
Participants write reviews and reflections on their readings, online courses, and hands-on experiences, encouraging critical thinking and peer learning.
PRACTICALITIES AND COMMITMENT

1. The fees for the Program will be covered by a scholarship awarded to all participants. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses.
2. They will be required to commit to attending each of the modules, those in person and those on-line. The Program will commence in January 2024 and will run for 12 months. An Induction day (online) will take place in December 2023.
3. They will be required to commit to a monthly mentoring meeting online with their mentors and at least one in person meeting.
4. The Program will be continually evaluated through feedback after each of the sessions and the progress of the participants through 1-2-1s with the coordinators of the Program. Participants are required to complete these and make time for the 1-2-1s.
   RESIDENTIAL DATES & VENUE
   All residentials will be at Markfield Conference Centre, Ratby Lane, Markfield, Uk LE67 9SY
   Dates for residential programs
5. Friday 19th (7PM) to Sunday 21st January 2024
6. Friday 26th (7PM) to Sunday 28th April 2024
7. Friday 19th (7PM) to Monday 22nd July 2024
8. Friday 23rd (7PM) to Monday 26th August 2024
9. Friday 13th (7PM) to Sunday 15th December 2024
   APPLICATION PROCESS
   Applicants must complete an application form which can be acquired by emailing and must be completed and returned by midnight on 10th December 2023.
   All shortlisted candidates will be formally interviewed for this Program. Interviews will last approximately 30-45 minutes and will take place online via zoom.
   JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
   Upon graduation participants will be invited to become part of a global Alumni network of purpose-driven leaders, committed to making a positive impact.