Emerging Leaders 2026

Register by August 20th | Register Here |  Download Flyer
Space is limited/Members Only

New for 2026, discover the keys to impactful leadership by exploring who you are, how you communicate, and how to build more meaningful, productive relationships. In this dynamic, interactive cohort, participants will deepen their understanding of human behavior and workplace dynamics through the lens of DiSC, Productive Conflict, Communication Styles, and Reality-Based Leadership.


Dates: September 10, October 7, November 12, and December 10
Time: All sessions take place from 10AM-4PM
Where: In the greater Portland/Salem area (specifics coming soon!)

This cohort will help you:

  • Identify your DiSC style and recognize the strengths and tendencies of others, building bridges across differences in personality and work style.
  • Explore the role of conflict as a constructive tool when handled with awareness and intention, and learn how to reframe your mindset to respond with clarity (or respond with purpose) instead of reacting on impulse.
  • Develop more effective communication and listening skills, and understand how to tailor your message based on the situation, intent, and audience.
  • Apply the principles of Reality-Based Leadership to minimize emotional waste, own your mindset, and maximize your value to your organization.
  • Recognize how perception and automatic thinking shape behavior and how you can challenge your assumptions to foster healthier collaboration.
  • Understand the dynamics of followership and how being an effective follower is essential to great leadership.
  • Differentiate between leadership and management, and assess how you balance both to meet your role’s needs today and in the future.
  • Practice practical supportive behaviors to build stronger teams, enhance trust, and foster a culture of positivity and shared success.
  • Commit to continuous growth by identifying what you will start, stop, and continue to build the leader you want to be.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your leadership journey, this cohort will give you practical tools and meaningful insights to help you grow, lead with clarity, and create a more connected and effective team.

Who Should Attend?

Emerging Leaders is ideally suited for aspiring leaders who are highly motivated to develop and/or enhance their leadership skills, self-awareness, and ability to work effectively with diverse teams.  The course is beneficial for individuals who are open to self-reflection and eager to learn and apply the principles of the DiSC model in their role.

Participants should have a genuine interest in improving their communication skills, listening abilities and ability to be a contributing member of any team, whether as a leader or follower.  They should be willing to embrace different perspectives and value the importance of creating an inclusive work environment. 

Emerging Leaders targets individuals new or aspiring to leadership, but others seeking to refine their leadership capabilities are welcome if they possess a growth mindset and a desire to develop and adapt their styles to meet the changing needs of today’s rapidly evolving work environment.

What Should You Expect?

Attendees can expect a dynamic and engaging learning experience through interactive and facilitated activities.  The program is designed to encourage active participation, collaboration and self-reflection.

Facilitators will guide and support participants through the learning process, providing insights, feedback and facilitating meaningful discussions.  Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from others and gain diverse perspectives on leadership and the DiSC model. 

Course Goals:

  • Identify and apply DiSC personality styles to improve communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution in both personal and professional relationships.
  • Demonstrate effective communication and listening strategies by recognizing different listening types, reframing automatic thoughts, and tailoring messages to audience needs.
  • Develop tools for accountability, managing emotional waste, and leading with clarity, support, and continuous learning.

Four Days of Learning:

Day 1: 

  • Discover your DiSC style 
  • Understand other DiSc styles 
  • Having Effective Relationships

Day 2: 

  • Productive Conflict 
  • Step Back and Reframe 
  • Communication
  • Listening Skills 

Day 3: 

  • Ditching the Drama
  • Accountability
  • Working with the Willing
  • Followership 

Day 4: 

  • Leadership vs. Management
  • Bud to Boss
  • Supportive Behaviors 
  • Continuous Learning 
     

Here's what people are saying about their time in Emerging Leaders...

"The course content was planned beautifully to discuss critical components needed for successful professional and personal growth. A true bond was formed among all attendees that was ultimately fostered by the amazing course leaders. Their personalities, content knowledge, and delivery of the materials made this program one of the best trainings I have ever attended in my nursing career. I strongly recommend the Emerging Leaders program to anyone who is looking to challenge themselves to be the best leader they could possibly be."

"I had a realization that made me glad I was participating: everyone was around the circle in their DiSC order and it occurred to me- although we are so different in leadership styles, I could not do my day to day work without these other minds and personalities."

"The most memorable part of day one was that your DiSC style does not define you, and that qualities you may find difficult to work with can also be qualities you look for in a person."

"I've learned how I can change things immediately to help the flow at my workplace."

Cohort members tell us that the best things about the program are the opportunity to learn more about their individual styles and personalities, how to best work with those who have differing styles and personalities, getting to know other emerging leaders, and that they enjoy the adult-centered, interactive learning environment.

Tuition: $1,200 Members  | Register Here

Tuition includes the costs of learning materials and breakfast and lunch each day of the program. If a student drops out of the program prior to the first start date, the community will be refunded less a 15% processing fee. If the program has already started, the student may be moved to the next cohort or the organization may be credited those funds for a future applicant.

Sponsoring Organization Commitment

The participant's organization agrees to:

  1. Pay the Emerging Leaders program tuition.
  2. Allow time for the participant to attend all four program sessions.
  3. Provide a supportive environment in which the participant can begin to practice applying the knowledge and skills gained in each session.

Mentor/Supervisor Commitment

The participant's mentor/supervisor agrees to:

  1. Meet at least once per month to discuss the participant's learning and goals.

Applicant Commitment

The participant agrees to:

  1. Attend and actively participate in each of the course sessions.
  2. Complete assignments to enhance the understanding and application of the content areas.
  3. Actively participate with your assigned learning group through phone and email.
  4. Remain employed with a LeadingAge Oregon member for the duration of the program.

Fall Session Dates

  1. Thursday, September 10
  2. Wednesday, October 7
  3. Thursday, November 12
  4. Thursday, December 10

All sessions take place from 10AM-4PM (location coming soon).

Program and Facilitators

Emerging Leaders was developed by LeadingAge Maryland and licensed to LeadingAge Oregon. The program will be facilitated by Melissa Preston, Associate Executive Director, Rogue Valley Manor and Merry Killam, LeadingAge Oregon.