The first class of the 2017 LEAD (Leading through Engagement, Achievement and Developing others) program, a collaboration between URI and General Dynamics/Electric Boat, completed leadership development training in July at the Westerly Education Center. Sixty-six participants received the leadership certification.

LEAD is designed to engage mid-management employees, such as area superintendents and general foremen, in active opportunities to develop and inspire their teams.

The inaugural session was also the first time that Electric Boat employees from Quonset Point Naval Air Station in R.I., and Groton Naval Base in CT, trained together.

The training took place at the Westerly Education Center. Participants spent 40 hours over five days in competency based courses that included coaching, communication, relationship building, performance, and influencing people.

Six additional training sessions are planned through September, with more than 150 General Dynamics/Electric Boat employees expected to participate in the training.

Additionally, the training focused on the management principles for recognizing and adapting to emotional intelligence, corrective coaching to address performance deficits, effective communication for staff meetings, and assigning tasks beyond the comfort zone. For more information about the LEAD program, contact Lori Herz, loriherz@uri.edu; (401) 874- 9815.