The five future skills that matter most:​

Five of the most in demand skills are emphasized and threaded throughout the workshop sessions.  You will graduate from the UWSP High Impact Leadership Certificate as a more adaptable, collaborative, empathetic leader equipped to facilitate communication, critical thinking, well-being and resilience.

​Adaptability. “The Adaptability Competency means having flexibility in handling change, being able to juggle multiple demands, and adapting to new situations with fresh ideas or innovative approaches. It means you not only can stay focused on your goals, but also can easily adjust how you achieve them. An adaptable leader can meet new challenges as they arise and not be halted by sudden change, remaining comfortable with the uncertainty that leadership can bring. The Adaptability Competency means having flexibility in handling change, being able to juggle multiple demands, and adapting to new situations with fresh ideas or innovative approaches. It means you not only can stay focused on your goals, but also can easily adjust how you achieve them. An adaptable leader can meet new challenges as they arise and not be halted by sudden change, remaining comfortable with the uncertainty that leadership can bring.” Korn Ferry​​

Collaboration. “Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Collaboration is the art of bringing people together to leverage their skills, talents, and knowledge to achieve a common purpose. Collaborating creates synergy, resulting in a combined effort with greater results than those achieved by individuals. Collaboration leads to the more efficient use of time and resources and the easy exchange of ideas and talent. People are more likely to be committed due to their involvement.” Indiana University

​Communication. “Leaders communicate effectively in both formal and informal settings. Good listeners, they reinforce the message they convey with supportive mannerisms. Leaders express facts and ideas succinctly and logically, facilitate an open exchange of ideas, ask for feedback routinely, and communicate face-to-face whenever possible. They write clear, concise, and organized correspondence and reports. Successful leaders prepare and deliver effective presentations. In situations requiring public speaking they deliver organized statements, field audience questions, confidently communicate with the media and other external entities.” US Coast Guard

Critical Thinking. “Critical thinking appears to be exactly what is needed from leaders who are navigating the volatility of the “new normal”. Diane Halpern, an award-winning professor of psychology at Claremont McKenna College and a widely read author on the subject, offers this definition in her seminal book, Thought and Knowledge: “Critical thinking is the use of those cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome. It is used to describe thinking that is purposeful, reasoned, and goal-directed – the kind of thinking involved in solving problems, formulating inferences, calculating likelihoods, and making decisions … it’s the kind of thinking that makes desirable outcomes more likely.” International Institute of Directors​

Empathy. “Empathy means having the ability to sense others’ feelings and how they see things. You take an active interest in their concerns. You pick up cues to what’s being felt and thought. With empathy, you sense unspoken emotions. You listen attentively to understand the other person’s point of view, the terms in which they think about what’s going on. Empathic leaders get along well with people from very different backgrounds and cultures, and can express their ideas in ways the other person will understand.” Korn Ferry​

“The High Impact Leadership Certification Course was an immensely valuable experience that challenged my thinking, enhanced my leadership skills, and provided practical tools I could apply immediately. It was well-structured, interactive, and engaging, featuring insightful discussions and real-world applications that deepened my understanding of leadership dynamics. The instructors were exceptional, knowledgeable, approachable, and truly invested in our growth. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking to refine their leadership approach and make a lasting impact in their organization.” —​ Leadership Certificate Alumni 2024-2025 

“I highly recommend the leadership workshop series. Through six workshop sessions, we covered topics such as growth mindset, communication, and leadership dynamics, I feel like I experienced significant personal and professional growth and learned tools to make me more effective in my roles. The workshop provided insights and practical strategies that have empowered me to lead more effectively and confidently in various aspects of my life.” — Leadership Certificate Alumni 2023-2024​

“The Leadership Certificate and Workshop Program, hosted by UWSP, is a must for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills. The program offers a dynamic and diverse group of presenters that challenged me, in the best way, on both a professional and personal level. I can’t say enough good things about this program.” — Leadership Certificate Participant

The Continuing Education and Outreach office reserves the right to cancel a program due to low enrollment, instructor illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, participants will receive a full refund. 

Please provide an active email address that you regularly check when registering, so we can contact you if a program is cancelled or rescheduled. 

To cancel your registration, please email ibhwt@uwsp.edu  

Live Programs: Refunds will be granted if the Continuing Education and Outreach office is notified at least seven (7) days prior to the start of the program. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than seven (7) days before the programs start date.

Self-Paced Programs: Refunds will be granted if the Continuing Education and Outreach office is notified within five (5) days of purchase, provided the program materials have not been accessed.

Registration is complete only after full payment has been received. Program fees must be paid prior to the start of the event unless otherwise noted. 

Participants are responsible for ensuring their computer and internet connection meet the minimum requirements to participate in virtual programs via Zoom. For the best experience, we recommend using the Chrome or Firefox web browser. Click here to download Zoom Client for Meetings.

The Continuing Education and Outreach office is not responsible for participant technology issues, including but not limited to inadequate internet bandwidth, connectivity problems, or equipment malfunctions.

Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request if made at least two (2) weeks in advance. To request accommodations, please contact Continuing Education Customer Service at 715-346-3838 or ibhwt@uwsp.edu.​​​