About ACE Leadership
Developed and Presented by the Minnesota High Tech Association
Program Overview
The purpose of the ACE Leadership Program is to develop and connect our region’s next generation technology company leaders and to assist them in preparing for the important roles they will play in making and keeping our region globally competitive.
MHTA and ACE Leadership Program advocates believe that effective leaders:
- Are aware of and understand their individual strengths and leadership skills;
- Can communicate their beliefs and use their leadership skills as advocates;
- Collaborate effectively, respecting differences in leadership styles; and
- Create lasting value for their companies and their communities by doing so.
The ACE Leadership Program is designed around these principles, and creates opportunities for participants to:
- Increase awareness of and explore their leadership strengths (and blind spots) in an applied, real-world setting;
- Explore issues that are important to make and keep their companies and our region’s tech-based economy globally competitive;
- Test and improve their ability to communicate and advocate for these issues, and
- Connect and collaborate with regional leaders and other next generation leaders to drive innovation and positively impact their organizations and communities.
The ACE Leadership Program employs a philosophy of Leaders teaching Leaders, where current senior executives from technology companies, government and education emphasize and teach in their areas of expertise. This provides opportunities for participants to meet with and learn from a number of senior leaders, observing their different approaches and leadership styles.
Another model employed is action learning, where participants receive and discuss new information, then apply it in their own organization as well as collectively as they collaborate in small groups with other next generation leaders. The ACE Leadership Program also involves mentors and facilitators, to reinforce learning. Homework and small group initiatives/activities create visibility and play a pivotal role in the learning.
2010 Program Logistics & Timing
The ACE Leadership Program consists of seven full day sessions and several partial day sessions, spread over the course of a year.
Small work groups will meet between some sessions and there will be an evening social gathering during July/August, for continuity during the summer months. The small work groups will present their project/initiative ideas at the October MHTA board of directors’ meeting, as input to the board’s November, 2010 planning session. A post-program celebration will be held with program participants, the MHTA board and participant company executives.
View a detailed outline of session dates and highlights here.
Participant Selection Process
The 30 participants selected for the ACE Leadership Program will form a diverse cohort group relative to backgrounds and experiences in technology industries/careers, and will come from both emerging and established technology businesses. Potential participants should submit a written application, applications will be considered through September 30. All applicants will meet or speak with the MHTA President to ensure fit and that expectations align with program goals. Interviews will begin upon recieving application.
Program Cost
Tuition is $2450 for participants from MHTA member companies and $3450 for non-member companies, and includes all program costs and materials as well as meals or other events that occur during the session. Not sure if your company is an MHTA member? Just check the member list. Included in the program cost is one free ticket to a 2010 CEO Forum as well as to the 2010 MHTA Spring Conference.
For Additional Information
Questions and requests for additional information should be directed to Jenny Manogue, at 952-230-4562 or jmanogue@mhta.org.
