Next Generation Leaders to Apprentice Under MUM Officials

The next generation of young leaders on campus began participating last month in a new program to apprentice under MIU’s senior leaders.

As part of the MIU Apprenticeship Programme, graduates of the Enlightened Leadership Program will work under President Dr. Bevan Morris, Executive Vice-President Craig Pearson, and each member of the executive committee.

The goals are to develop a relationship with each senior leader, to learn how that person’s area of the University functions, to understand what the components are, and then to form teams of four or five to work on specific projects. The apprentice teams will meet with each senior leader twice a month.

“It’s thrilling to see how eager everyone is to participate in the Apprenticeship Programme, both senior leadership and the next-generation leaders,” said Adrienne Schoenfeld, executive director of Enlightened Leadership International.

Those involved are young students, staff, and faculty who have participated in the eight-month Enlightened Leadership Program over the past three years, with a fourth rotation currently under way. Ms. Schoenfeld expects around 30 graduates of ELP, called Global Ambassadors, to participate as apprentices.

The junior leaders are presented with the mission, vision, and action steps of specific areas and then decide which resonates with them for their long-term career goals. They then make a commitment to focus on an area and after six months complete an evaluation to see whether it’s a good fit and the progress made.

In order to have a broader perspective on the University, some will explore an additional area of focus by joining another apprenticeship team.

“It’s a rare opportunity to have this sort of personal relationship with the leaders on campus,” Ms. Schoenfeld said. “Both generations are able to get to know and understand one another. The rapport and trust that develops will foster confidence and continue a smooth transition into the future. The opportunity to learn and work closely with our senior leaders is priceless.”

The Apprenticeship Programme was launched internationally last summer in the Netherlands with members forming teams to work on projects under leaders of Maharishi’s organizations. Participants will meet there again January 7–15 for the next ELI summit.

^{Featured image is property of Enlightened Leadership International.}

Jim Karpen is a writer by trade, with a special focus on technology. He has a Ph.D. in English and studied the impact of the computerization of language. In addition to writing for iPhone Life magazine, he has also been writing a column about the Internet for the Iowa Source since 1994. He also edits and publishes the MUM Review.