## [INSPIRE: The Developing Leaders Program](/career-development/leadership-programs/inspire-developing-leaders-program) ![Close up of an individual looking slightly off camera with her hand resting on her neck.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/DLP%20web%20banner.png) At the heart of good leadership is a shared process—one where leaders and their team members come together to navigate challenges and achieve shared goals. When leaders meet team members where they are, providing the direction and support they need, when they need it, they create the conditions for inclusion, engagement, wellbeing, and sustained performance. **INSPIRE: The Developing Leaders Program** is UBC's flagship five-month leadership development experience for newer staff managers ready to lead with greater intention and impact. For managers ready to move beyond the fundamentals, the program builds capacity to lead with greater confidence, commitment, and effectiveness. Grounded in a proven, people-centred leadership framework, the program builds participants' capacity to develop others, navigate real workplace challenges, and cultivate an adaptive leadership approach for addressing everyday leadership situations. #### Applications for the fall 2026 are now CLOSED. ## Cohort Interest Form  Are you interested in joining the next cohort? Fill out the form below to express your interest, and we will notify you when applications open. [Express your interest in the next cohort ](https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVf1W7UQL1uhPoi) --- ## Who's eligible The Developing Leaders Program is open to the following staff: - Management & Professional (M&P) staff only - At least 1 year in a management role at UBC with direct staff report(s) (staff who manage only Work Learn or student appointments are not eligible) - 1-4 years of total management experience (at UBC and/or elsewhere) - Working knowledge of core people management practices, including hiring, onboarding, performance reviews and using Workday to carry out management responsibilities - Commitment to their own learning and development - Support from their manager for full participation in the program - Confirms their full availability and attendance for all virtual and in-person workshops ### Through the program, you will be able to: ### Deepen your self-awareness and strengthen your ability to lead effectively  Through this program, you will deepen your self-awareness, including your natural leadership tendencies, and develop the flexibility to adapt your approach to the needs of different team members and situations. You will strengthen your ability to lead and develop others more effectively while gaining knowledge and skills across key leadership topics through a blend of virtual and in-person workshops. ### Build strong networks and become a part of a dynamic cross-campus community of leaders Tap into the power of **Leadership Triads** – a unique program element where you will learn in a small group of three – to connect, support, challenge, and learn with fellow leaders across Vancouver and Okanagan. Through the triads and the broader cohort experience, you will have opportunities to share your knowledge and experiences, deepening your collective learning as leaders. ### Build practical skills to foster engagement, inclusion, and performance Through a combination of engaging workshops, panel discussions, and skill practice, you will learn time-tested management approaches that help create alignment and clarity for your teams. You will expand your leadership toolkit by developing the ability to assess the needs of those you lead and adapt your approach to provide the right balance of direction and support. ## What to expect in the Fall 2026 program The Fall cohort will be open to participants from both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. The program will run from **September 2026 to January 2027**, with sessions held virtually and in person. ### What you'll be required to do  To earn a certificate of completion, participants are expected to: - Attend all workshops - Participate in three Leadership Triad sessions - Complete all Canvas learning modules - Complete the End-of-Program Evaluation Survey ### Schedule The program will be delivered in a hybrid format, combining virtual and in-person workshops. The program includes five workshops in total, one of which is delivered over two days. - **Virtual** workshops (Zoom) run from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with a one-hour lunch break between sessions (4 hours total), and include participants from UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan together. - **In-person** workshops run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (7 hours), held at each campus. Total time commitment of approximately **40 hours** from September 2026 to January 2027, including Workshops, Canvas pre-work and post-work, as well as Leadership Triad sessions (self-managed). ### Fall 2026 schedule for UBC Vancouver | Workshop 1 | September 17, 2026 | Virtual | |---|---|---| | Workshop 2 - Part 1 | October 14, 2026 | In person | | Workshop 2 - Part 2 | October 15, 2026 | In person | | Workshop 3 | November 5, 2026 | Virtual | | Workshop 4 | December 3, 2026 | Virtual | | Workshop 5 | January 13, 2027 | In person | ### Fall 2026 schedule for UBC Okanagan | Workshop 1 | September 17, 2026 | Virtual | |---|---|---| | Workshop 2 - Part 1 | October 20, 2026 | In person | | Workshop 2 - Part 2 | October 21, 2026 | In person | | Workshop 3 | November 5, 2026 | Virtual | | Workshop 4 | December 3, 2026 | Virtual | | Workshop 5 | January 13, 2027 | In person | ##### Note on schedule conflicts  Given the cohort-based design of the program and the significant investment required to deliver it, **attendance at all program workshops is required.** If you have planned vacation or other commitments that conflict with any of the workshop dates and may prevent you from fully participating in the program, please consider applying for a future cohort. This helps ensure that program spaces are allocated to participants who are able to fully engage in and benefit from the learning experience. ### What you will explore Throughout the program, you will explore topics related to leading others and leading within UBC, including: - UBC’s leadership philosophy and competencies - Situational leadership (assessing your natural leadership tendencies and developing the flexibility to adapt your approach to different individuals and situations) - The Management Paradox: balancing concern for tasks and concern for people - Performance enablement and effective feedback conversations - Managing underperformance and management rights - Conflict navigation and engagement - A coach approach to leadership - Understanding UBC’s resources for team wellbeing - Building your career resiliency at work ### Program fees  The program is fully funded by VP Human Resources at UBC. ### How program participants are selected All applications will be reviewed to confirm eligibility and assess overall fit for the program. To ensure that all qualified applicants are fairly considered, applications may be reviewed in partnership with participating faculty and portfolio HR and Organizational Development (OD) teams across UBC. A pool system may also be used as part of the selection process to support equitable representation across faculties and portfolios. Priority may be given to managers in their fourth year of management experience, as well as those who have applied to the program in previous years but were not offered a space. Applicants will be notified of their program status by email by early August. We thank all applicants for their interest in the program. ## Questions?  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact .