Okay, so I'm browsing around and I come across The Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians - http://www.gse.harvard.edu/~ppe/highered/programs/acrl.html.
The program focuses on transformational leadership, which I found interesting. Personally, I think I would try to focus on two leadership theories so people can find one or the other more appealing or more easy with which to identify. Otherwise, the curriculum seems to cover self-assessment, effective leaders in higher ed, leadership theory, and planning for change - a pretty comprehensive curriculum for six days.
However, I have two criticisms of the institute.
1. There are no librarians on the faculty staff leading the institute. Hmmmm - seems like a major deficiency there.
2. One of the questions this institute proposes to answer is: "How well-positioned is my organization to meet current and future challenges? The program delivers the information and insights needed to help your library respond to a rapidly-shifting landscape. It is designed for those whose role is to think strategically—about emerging needs of students and faculty, about changing expectations of library staff, about new technologies, and about the long-range plans for the library within a larger institutional context."
Hey - wait, I thought this was to help me improve my leadership skills? I do not think a Leadership Institute should have this as one of its top TWO goals. Instead, I think, it should use the above question as a back-drop for the following question - are you equipped (do you have the leadership skills) to lead your library to address the rapidly shifting landscape, etc... Posing this question but without "librarian speakers/leaders" in the field is a major flaw for the institute. People who attend these types of institutes want to be with their peers to share stories, experiences and to network. Not having "leaders in their field" leading discussions
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I agree that a group should focus on two leadership theories. In my opinion, I think it is important for people to see the different approaches they could take.
I agree with your criticisms as well. The point of having leadership program is to improve ones skills and come out with learning different techniques.
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