Latino Leadership 2.0

There was lots of dancing and hugging--and occasionally--crying.  Other times there were discussions about the environment, art, life, and work, sprinkled with jokes and anecdotes about our Latino roots.  A support group? No. It was Juana Bordas' Latino Leadership retreat in the Colorado mountains.

I had the privilege to join eighteen mid career professionals from across the U.S. in early November and attend the eleventh annual  Latino Leadership Development Program (LLDP) created by Juana Bordas, author, social entrepreneur and the founder of Mestiza Leadership International. Each day started with some kind of awakening--physical or intellectual.  We stretched our limbs to the tune of an inspirational song while we also learned to engage each other. "Latinos are kinesthetic learners," Juana said while leading the morning stretch. "We learn by doing."

Photo credit:  Liz Treviño

The program combined assessment tools generally used in leadership programs--Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, FIRO-B Test, 360  Feedback and the Change Style Indicator--with sessions and group dynamics about leadership styles, decision making and  teamwork. The icing on the cake was the opportunity to openly discuss how our heritage and being Latino influence how we are as leaders.  During one session titled Latino Assets, the group reviewed a list of "dichos" or sayings in Spanish and discussed how these translate into cultural values that can then be applied to the workplace.  For instance, the saying "donde come uno comen dos" (loosely translated to "do more with less" or "there is always room for one more") speaks about the value of sharing which can be translated into inclusion at work.

Having studied and participated in many leadership programs, I was struck by how the retreat meticulously interwove the results from assessment tools, group exercises, sessions and personal anecdotes into one customized version of leadership. As days unfolded, the group started to craft a new and improved version of themselves as Latino leaders.  A version that includes community building, work and life balance, self care and honoring our Latino culture.

Juana explained the vision behind the program, "The LLDP integrates cultural assets with mainstream leadership practices and asserts that high potential Latinos have a competitive edge since they add value through their multicultural backgrounds. This is particularly important because of America's expanding diversity."

Genesse Park, Denver, CO. Site for one of the group exercises.

Photo credit:  Anna Giraldo-Kerr

Alicia Avila, Business Liaison at Denver International Airport, said of her experience,“ Managing and leading in today’s world of work demands that we stay innovative, current, and inspired. This Leadership training program is one that every Latino interested in leadership wisdom should take and then impart to every Latino colleague!"

And as if that was not enough, each participant had the opportunity to have an individual session with a professional coach.  A team of coaches descended on the third day and meet privately with each person to devise a personal and professional action plan.

The end result:  Re-energized and refocused professionals ready to make a greater contribution in the workplace and community while leveraging their Latino roots.  All while having gained a group of colleagues and friends for life.  Who knew Latino leadership programs could be so uplifting, empowering and-- most importantly--fun?

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