In this immersive program, leaders gain insight into their EI through assessment and feedback, learn tools to regulate emotions under pressure, and develop the ability to influence, motivate, and engage others more effectively — resulting in stronger leadership impact and healthier workplace cultures.
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Format: In-person
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Dates: May 21–22, 2026
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Duration: 2 days (14 Contact Hours)
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Location: St. Petersburg Campus – Student Life Center room 2100
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Tuition: $1,995
Modern leadership requires more than technical expertise or strategic thinking — it demands leaders who can understand themselves, read others, and build trust-based relationships. Emotional intelligence is the capability to recognize and regulate your own emotions while understanding and influencing the emotions of others. It is a proven driver of effective leadership, team cohesion, and organizational resilience.
This program helps leaders strengthen EI as a core leadership capability. Participants engage in assessment, reflection, guided learning, and practical application to build confidence, awareness, and behavioral agility. Through personalized EI assessment and mini-360 feedback, leaders gain clarity on strengths, development opportunities, and how emotions shape leadership effectiveness.
The result: leaders who communicate with greater intention, maintain composure under pressure, manage conflict constructively, and create psychologically safe environments where teams collaborate and thrive.
Key Takeaways
Participants will be able to:
- Interpret their EI assessment and mini-360 results to identify strengths and growth priorities
- Apply self-regulation techniques to maintain composure in high-pressure situations
- Adapt communication and leadership styles to effectively influence and manage relationships
- Navigate conflict with greater emotional control and awareness
- Strengthen trust, rapport, and connection with teams and stakeholders
- Develop an individualized EI development action plan
Who Should Attend
Ideal participants include:
- Senior managers, directors, and executives looking to enhance their EI capabilities
- High-potential leaders preparing for broader organizational responsibilities
- Technical leaders newly promoted into people-leadership roles
Program Experience
This immersive program blends:
- EI assessment and personalized feedback
- Mini-360 insights
- Discussion, reflection, and applied exercises
- Practical leadership tools and behavior-building techniques
- Optional post-program executive coaching
Leaders leave with a personalized feedback report and a structured development plan to sustain growth.
Curriculum & Topics
Module 1: Why Strategic Thinking Matters More with Seniority
Explores why strategic thinking is a critical executive differentiator and what changes as leaders move up, including common failure modes of non-strategic leadership.
Module 2: What Strategists Know
Covers industry and organizational insight, profit pools, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and core strategic decision domains such as market positioning, business models, and capabilities.
Module 3: Core Strategic Thinking Skills (Part I)
Builds skills for framing the right strategic problem, avoiding premature solutions, and recognizing patterns in complexity while separating signal from noise.
Module 4: Growth, Uncertainty, and Portfolio Choices
Examines growth pathways, portfolio decisions, and how to make strategy under uncertainty using tools like scenario planning and staged commitments.
Module 5: Leading Strategically & Sustaining Strategic Discipline
Focuses on making explicit trade-offs, communicating strategy with clarity, developing strategic mindsets over time, and sustaining strategic discipline amid operational pressures.
Faculty
Russell Clayton, PhD - Program Facilitator
Russell Clayton is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the USF Muma College of Business and the Associate Academic Director for the Center for Executive & Leadership Education (CELE). He teaches and researches managerial communication, organizational behavior, and emotional intelligence, with work published in Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review. A multiple award-winning educator, Russell is known for translating research into practical leadership development for executives and MBA students.Benefits for Organizations
Participants return able to:
- Lead with stronger emotional awareness and control
- Build healthier, higher-performing teams
- Improve communication and collaboration
- Strengthen trust and psychological safety
Organizations benefit through improved leadership effectiveness, team performance, and cultural resilience.
Program Format
This program is delivered in an immersive, interactive format designed to maximize engagement and peer learning. A detailed agenda will be shared with registered participants in advance.
Pre-Program
- EI Assessment
- Mini-360 Feedback Assessment
Program Delivery
- 2-Day In-Person Executive Education Program
Post-Program
- Optional Virtual Executive Coaching Sessions (additional fees apply)
Certificate & Pathways
Participants will receive a USF Executive Education Certificate of Completion.
Logistics
Detailed program information, including the agenda, parking instructions, and recommended hotel accommodations, will be provided to registered participants prior to the program start date.
All cancellation and substitution requests must be submitted in writing.
Cancellations
Cancellations received 14 days or more prior to the program start date will receive a full refund, minus a $250 administrative fee. Cancellations received within 14 days of the program start date are non-refundable.
Substitutions
Substitutions may be made at any time prior to the program start date at no additional cost. If pre-program assessments have already been completed, associated assessment fees are non-refundable.
Program Changes
The ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a program. In the event of cancellation by the University, registered participants will receive a full refund.
Group Pricing & Custom Options
Discount Eligibility
USF alumni and active-duty military members and veterans are eligible for a 10% discount on all open-enrollment programs.
Please enter the appropriate discount code at checkout. Discounts are offered in good faith. Proof of eligibility may be requested prior to program start.
Discounts cannot be combined with other promotional offers.
USF Alumni
USF alumni receive 10% off open-enrollment programs with code USFALUMNI10.
Military & Veterans
Active-duty military members and veterans receive 10% off open-enrollment programs with code MILITARY10.