Program Overview

The LEAD Academy offers a dynamic four-month training program specifically tailored for non-supervisory members of the NCBC.  This program is designed to equip court employees with essential leadership skills, enabling them to embrace more significant roles and responsibilities in their position. The upcoming session commences on May 19, 2025.  For a detailed course overview, Click Here

Key Leadership Skills Developed

Participants in the LEAD Academy will enhance their capabilities in several critical areas, including:

• Effective coaching and being a positive influence in the workplace.

• Understanding the collaborative dynamics of various teams within the court and judiciary.

• Recognizing the impact of culture and trust in the workplace environment.

• Leading teams effectively to achieve goals and complete projects.

• Enhancing self-awareness for personal and professional growth.

Program Components

1. Mentor Connect: Participants will be paired with mentors to apply the LEAD Academy’s teachings to their current roles. The Mentor Connect Workbook, which includes readings, assignments, and discussion questions, will guide this partnership. Participants are encouraged to meet with their mentors bi-weekly to progress through the workbook. Mentor pairing options are flexible, with participants able to choose their own mentor or request one through the NCBC. For mentorship opportunities, refer to the 2025 LEAD Academy Mentorship Form.
2. Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment: Every participant must complete the Gallup CliftonStrengths 34 assessment.  This assessment helps in creating a unique talent profile for each participant. The $59.99 assessment fee is fully reimbursable by NCBC. The assessment can be accessed through the Gallup CliftonStrengths website.
3. LEAD Academy Workshop: Scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the NCBC Annual Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, this workshop is a critical component of the LEAD Academy. This REQUIRED in-person training involves interactive sessions led by experienced court leaders and subject matter experts and builds on the knowledge gained from pre-workshop activities and Mentor Connect discussions.
4. Self-Development and Career Planning: Following the LEAD Academy Workshop, participants will engage in an interactive virtual session focused on goal setting and career development. Participants will create a personal development plan with their mentors, encompassing short- and long-term professional goals based on insights from the program.

Program Requirements

• Participants must have an active NCBC Membership by January 31, 2025, to receive the NCBC Conference discounted rate.
• Nominees are required to attend an in-person workshop held during the annual NCBC Conference. Nominations will be treated as an agreement to fund travel to the in-person LEAD Academy Workshop by the local court unit or individual participant.

Contact for More Information: For further details about the LEAD Academy, please reach out to Jennifer Mahar or Dawn Meador, LEAD Academy Subcommittee Co-Chairs, or Jan Zari, NCBC Mentorship Committee Chair.