Even individuals who are natural leaders benefit from training and encouragement. The Rockefeller Leadership Fellows (RLF) program provides you with resources in leadership theories and practical skills. The juniors selected each spring begin their journey of self-discovery as seniors the following year. As they take part in the workshops, dinner discussions, and team-building exercises, they gain a better understanding of the qualities and responsibilities expected of leaders and how to adapt their own leadership styles to different situations. Throughout the program, Fellows learn from the insight and experience of distinguished guests as well as from each other. During the Spring Term, Fellows participate in selecting their successors in the program. When students who participate in the program graduate, they are better equipped to assume the leadership roles that await them. Read the profiles of the 2009-2010 RLF Participants, and session summaries.
At the Rockefeller Center, we define leadership as the process of influencing and organizing a group to mobilize its resources toward accomplishing an identified goal. It is about involving communities in constructive dialogues concerning issues that shape their lives. It is about citizen involvement and civic engagement. Because lasting change frequently must come from within the group being “led,” leaders must create the conditions for those affected to make their own new world. They must, in that sense, “give the work back.”
This definition guides our emphasis on the individual as a leader, the individual operating within a team, and the individual working as a team member within an organization. We believe effective leaders must have a clear vision of the values, ethics, and morals that shape their thinking and actions, as well as an understanding of the skills and experiences they possess or need to develop. The Rockefeller Leadership Fellows program helps Fellows examine their skills, qualities, and attributes as leaders, and to analyze how these influence teamwork and play out in their lives. Through the study of various theories of leadership and experiential exercises, the program highlights key approaches to promoting teamwork and achieving goals. Finally, it concludes with a look at leadership challenges in a work environment and at a societal level and with a study of how Fellows can strengthen their own effectiveness as leaders.
To be considered for the RLF program, a rising senior must:
Complete an RLF Application Form [Pdf] include both a peer and faculty recommendation.
Submit the completed application packet via e-mail to Rockefeller Leadership Fellows.
Applications are due yearly in April for the upcoming year. For specific due dates, please see the Rockefeller Center Calendar.
The Rockefeller Leadership Fellows program is one that continues to attract top Dartmouth seniors. The students appreciate the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership, and learn about themselves as leaders. The following quotes are from the graduating 2008 - 2009 Fellows and the incoming 2009 - 2010 Fellows:
"RLF has definitely improved my speaking capabilities, my open-mindedness, and my negotiation skills. All this has culminated to broaden my basis of understanding leadership skills and implementation of those skills in everyday life." - Ashley Smith ‘09
"RLF challenged me to think of leadership in a new way. The program allowed me to tackle complex issues, and think about how I can be an ethical and engaged leader in today's world." - Raymond Rodriguez ‘09
"I hope that through RLF, I will be given the chance to think critically about and discuss with my peers what I want to accomplish after college, and I hope to develop some of the skills that will make these future goals achievable." - Jensen Lowe ‘10
"I decided to join the Rocky Leadership Fellows program because I wanted an opportunity to enhance my repertoire of leadership skills, discover what my true strengths and weaknesses are. I look forward to learning from the experiences of other campus leaders as well as notable guest speakers." - Roselina Harm '10
Sadhana Hall, associate director for Student and Public Programs
Karen Parker, administrative assistant
