CNH Principal Architect Brooke Jacobson recently completed the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Leadership Forum. The seven month seminar series is geared toward developing the leadership skills of mid-career architects.
Jacobson was one of 16 architects tapped to participate in the 2021 forum. Each year only a select number of architects who apply are chosen to be a part of the group. The group members all need to be AIA members, have at least ten years’ professional experience, and be a licensed architect.
From January to July, the group met twice monthly virtually before celebrating with an in-person finale in September. This was the first group to complete the program virtually due to COVID protocols.
Throughout the meetings, Jacobson recalls learning the following:
- Individual strengths through Strength Finder Assessment & applying strengths toward leadership goals
- Individual core values
- Increased self-awareness on strengths/weaknesses and how to relate with others
- Understanding leadership styles and when to use the different styles with different types of people
- Build individual and organization cultural self-awareness
- How to take tools & skills and implement them not only into the work place but in the community and volunteer roles
“Overall the program was a very valuable experience to further develop my leadership and communication skills, learn about myself, set priorities and work towards continuously improving as I continue on my leadership journey,” she said.
About AIA’s Leadership Forum
The Leadership Forum develops and fosters leadership skills of mid-career AIA Minnesota member architects. The primary areas of focus include:
- Developing and strengthening a participant’s understanding of and skills in the following areas: leadership styles and values; self-awareness; intercultural development; communication; motivation and engagement; leadership case studies; future trends and advocacy; and application and implementation
- Creating a network of diverse professionals focused on leadership development
