Participants came into the program with a bag full of reservations. Uncertain as to how they would pull through 3 days.  However, as one participant said “the bag was empty within the first three hours of the program”.  Participants spent 39 hours over 3 days in the program and despite the long hours, they remained engaged throughout the course of the program.

The 6th NASIMCO  / WF Leadership Development Program (LDP) was co-hosted by Anjuman-e- Asghari and Imam Hussein Islamic Center in Minnesota from Friday, November 18, 2011 to Sunday, November 20, 2011.  21 participants, included 2 participants from Miami and 19 from within Minnesota, took part in this intensive educational experience.  The program was facilitated by Dr. Akber Mohamedali, Sis. Siddika Jessa, Dr. Sarfraz Jeraj and Sis. Zinnat Mohamedali.

The goal of the program is to “Unlock your Potential to serve your community and humanity”.  The primary aim of the program is to develop leadership capacity within the community.

The program provided a safe and supportive environment for the participants to explore and become aware of their current state in their leadership journey.  Participants underwent various processes to experience the learning in different ways which equipped them with tools to enhance and evolve their leadership skills. Many participants had moments of enlightenment and a new drive to experience life to the fullest.

Concepts of discussion were:  difference between tolerance versus respect; adult learning model; importance of vision; value of emotional intelligence for success in leadership; understanding of political intelligence; skills of giving and receiving feedback and the characteristics of an effective leader.

Each morning was spent in reflection of the learning that had taken place the day before, where participants shared their stories and experiences.

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator tool was used to help participants to become aware of themselves and to appreciate and value the differences in each other. Further exercises on this concept provided clarity on the differences which encouraged them to look deep inside themselves to unlock their potential.

Participants were awarded with Certificates commemorating the completion of the LDP program at the Eid-e-Mubahila Khushali program.

Testimonials from participants:

• “The program provided a better understanding of yourself and the people around you.”
• “The key I will be taking away is a better awareness of my emotional traits and a knowledge of others traits to better my communication in all aspects of my life.”
• I appreciated the step by step process from self-analysis to leadership skills to importance of politics in every aspect of your lives.”
• “All jamaats EC and subcommittee team members/leaders must attend this LDP for all to learn, benefit and implement for the organization to succeed and shine.”
• “Gave me the opportunity to be open about myself in front of others – something I never thought I would/could do.”
• “This program is a stepping stone towards understanding yourself and others and working towards being a better individual within a community and a leader  too.”
• “It’s more than leadership – its exploring one self, getting in touch with various ways of improving in all aspects of life.”
• “If you want to find a purpose in life and know how much you can truly achieve, then this is for you”
• “This course showed me how to discover the inner wealth that I can tap on.”
• “The content was so relevant to use in our lives.  I am able to pinpoint what internally has been my problem and work on them.”
• “An eye opening opportunity that brought things into perspective, important aspects that makes life more meaningfull.”
• “It definitely leaves you as a better person than what you were before.”
• “I will understand the other person before I pass judgment.  Appreciate and understanding of the other person who maybe a complete opposite of you.”
• “Gives you skills to react to everyday situations more rationally.”
• “Refined intellectual, emotional and political skills.”
• “This course has given me the ability to understand myself better so I can be a better mother, wife, sister and be a positive influence and make a difference.“
• “I learnt the importance of having a vision; to put a sense of direction in my day to day life.”
• “I am taking away a good understanding so as to look at the world through a clear glass.”