Leadership at Laurier Brantford 

All contemporary leaders of organizations face a large, complex and interdisciplinary set of problems. This is true whether they lead businesses, government departments, political parties, schools, or not for profit charities. Good leaders must respond by synthesizing solutions and mobilizing teams that are willing to work and share knowledge across networks and functions within the organization. 

Laurier Brantford’s competitive-entry Leadership program focuses on how leaders and organizations draw on a range of historical and contemporary resources to meet these challenges. Graduates of this program will find that they are well-equipped for leadership positions in a wide range of organizations. 

This program is the first of its kind in Canada, and is only available at Laurier Brantford. Unlike traditional business programs that focus on technical and mathematical skills, the Leadership degree is designed to give students the analytical and communication skills, and the historical and philosophical breadth of knowledge to participate effectively in the leadership of organizations. 

Program highlights 

• Leadership Students Association: A student-organized and student managed club, the LSA mission is to promote student leadership and challenge, inspire and encourage students to make a difference on campus, in Brantford and surrounding communities.
  

Careers

Graduates of the Honours BA in Leadership at Brantford will find careers as Human Resource Specialists, Entrepreneur/Business Owner, Production Manager, Public Relations, and Marketing Specialists to name a few.

Faculty experience 

“Organizations all over the world need strong leaders,” says Dr. Lamine Diallo. “A lot of people from social sciences and arts (programs) end up in management positions and leading organizations,” he says, even though they may not have the skills and knowledge they need to lead effectively. “In today’s world, organizations are seeking employees who can contribute to their long-term development.” 

Diallo, who has an extensive background in not-for-profit organizations, helped design Laurier Brantford’s Leadership program to meet that need. The program will help students learn and develop leadership skills that can be used in any type of organization. Courses have been selected to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of Laurier Brantford and integrate the entrepreneurial, analytical and social dimensions of organizations. “This program will attract those who are interested in being leaders, not only in their organizations but also in their communities,” says Diallo.

Alumni experience 

Pat Alain was initially drawn to the Leadership program for its unique approach to themes that are increasingly important in business, through courses like Organizations and Social Change, and Influence, Persuasion and Negotiation. But he says it’s the professors who really make the program special. “The small class sizes are ideal and facilitate learning, and there are lots of opportunities to get engaged in class discussions and ask questions,” he says. “The professors are so passionate about the material, it makes it much more interesting for us as students.” 

Alain has taken advantage of the opportunities Laurier Brantford provides outside the classroom. In his first year, Alain was involved in his residence house council as vice-president: finance, and continued in residence life as a don the following three years. He also coached competitive intramural soccer and volunteered his time as a peer mentor. “Laurier Brantford is a special place because of its size; you have a chance to get involved and get to know so many people,” he says. “It really allows you to make a home away from home.” 

After graduating, Alain hopes to attend law school. While he was planning to practice corporate/employment law, “after taking some contemporary studies courses, I am also considering studying human rights.”