Program Philosophy
The LSMI program, designed and delivered by NCSL’s Legislative Training Institute, focuses on both self- and social awareness. The week will start with programs and experiences that stimulate introspection, then move to programs highlighting group dynamics and the challenges of managing those dynamics in the complex world of the legislature.
The program offers:
- Six days of interactive and experience-based learning seminars.
- Tracom’s Social Styles assessment.
- Off-site activities.
- Formal and informal networking opportunities.
- Executive coaching with a certified executive coach (optional).
Interactive and Experiential Seminars
The program will cover the following leadership topics:
- Leadership Brand Exploration
- Appreciating Different Perspectives
- Mindful Leadership
- Working With Difficult People
- Leading A Multigenerational Workforce
- Teamwork, Communication and Collaboration (Improv Workshop at Denver Center for the Performing Arts)
- Strategic Thinking
- Assessing Risk and Fear as a Leader
- American Legislatures – Who We Are
- Executive Coaching (optional) – August and September 2025
Short assignments, including journaling, reading articles, or watching videos, may be assigned during the week and in advance of certain seminars. Small-group discussions and individual reflection will be used to help deepen the impact of learning.
Tracom’s Social Styles Assessment
This tool helps participants build their self-awareness by giving them insights about their behavior and communications style as a leader. The tool is both a self- and 360 assessment (multi-rater), and each participant will receive a personalized report about their own style.
NCSL’s certified Social Styles trainer will share more about the four social styles and how they interact with each other, in both productive and potentially unproductive ways.
Off-Site Activities
Throughout the seven-day program, participants’ perspectives are challenged in both content and delivery. While the “home base” is NCSL’s headquarters building, a variety of educational and networking experiences take participants outside of the classroom setting. Planned off-site activities for the 2025 program include:
Networking and Peer-to-Peer Connections
LSMI emphasizes group connections and peer-to-peer bonding. Participant networking and connections are supported through various forums, both formal and informal. Formal offerings will include daily small-group sessions to reflect on and apply the learning content, along with breakfasts, lunches, and selected dinners; informal networking can include self-directed activities organized by participants during open evenings and downtime.
Executive Coaching
The International Coaching Federation defines executive coaching as a partnership between a coach and a client that inspires leaders (clients) to maximize their potential. Participants will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a certified executive coach to strengthen their leadership impact upon return to their legislative setting.
Participants may sign up for two, one-hour sessions that will be held after the conclusion of the residency (in August and September 2025). The confidential sessions are done virtually.