OMSSA Transformative Leadership Program

Thoughts for the Journey

This training program is specially designed to address the needs of leaders facing the challenge of leading social services departments in this volatile and uncertain time. Social Services in Ontario were in a state of transformation even before the pandemic reshaped the world. Leadership, now more ever, requires an ability to not only guide the work, but also to lead people through transformation. As such, this program bases itself on the principles of transformative leadership and gives participants building blocks necessary for cogent leadership practice in our current uncertain environment.

Our time together will take place over four virtual (ZOOM) sessions, along with some pre-work and homework between sessions. All the information required for the program is listed below. Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Gedeon at jpgedeon@transformativedirections.com or at 416-303-0594,

Before the Session

Before our session, please watch the following short videos and complete the Pre-Workshop Reflection exercise (below).

Links to the Videos:

Homework Before Session 1

In preparation for out time together at session 3, please complete the reflection exercise below and be prepared to discuss it at the in-person sessions.

Session 1

May 11, 1 pm - 4 pm

This session sets out the groundwork and mindset behind powerful transformative leadership and asks participants to reflect on how the principles can be made active in their lives.

At Session 1:

The first in-person session will take place on November 12, 2020 from 1 pm to 4 pm. There are in-class activities to be completed as part of this session (materials linked below). Here is the link to the ZOOM meeting:

Here are the links to Session 1 in-class activity pages:

Homework Before Session 2

Before our session tomorrow, please take a few moments to introspect about questions 2 and 3 listed on “So Much Theory” – the In-Class Exercise #4. Please be prepared to start the day by discussing your thoughts with your breakout group as well as the larger group.

Session 2

May 12, 9 am - noon

This session builds on Session 1 and introduces the first two phases of the CD model of transformative leadership.

Before Session 2:

Please complete the homework exercise appended to Session 1 (above) and be prepared to discuss your answers with the group.

At Session 2:

The second in-person session will take place on September 16, 2020 from 9 am to noon. There are in-class activities to be completed as part of this session. Here is the link to the ZOOM meeting:

Here are the links to Session 2 in-class activity pages:

Homework Before Session 3

In preparation for out time together at session 3, complete the reflection exercise below.

Please write a short journal entry outlining your thoughts on how you are personally doing in implementing the tenets of visioning and including in your professional and personal contexts.

Be prepared to share parts of your answer with your breakout group at our next session.

Session 3

May 12, 1 pm- 4 pm

This session builds on Sessions 1 and 2, and discusses the last four phases of transformative leadership. In conclusion, each participant will be asked to compile a developmental roadmap for him/herself, subsequent to this training.

Before Session 3:

Please complete the homework exercise appended to Session 2 (above) and be prepared to discuss your answers with the group.

At Session 3:

The third in-person session will take place on November 16, 2020 from 9 am to noon. There are in-class activities to be completed as part of this session. Here is the link to the ZOOM meeting:

Here are the links to Session 3 in-class activity pages:

Homework After Session 3

Please complete the exercise below in preparation for our last session on November 23, 2020. Please be prepared to share your thoughts with the group.

Session 4

May 14, 9 am to 4 pm

This session builds on what we have covered so far, and discusses the the complexities of cultural transformation in the workplace.

Before Session 4 :

Please complete the homework exercise appended to Session 3 (above) and be prepared to discuss your answers with the group.

At Session 4:

The fourth in-person session will take place on November 23, 2020 from 9 am to 3 pm. There are in-class activities to be completed as part of this session. Here is the link to the ZOOM meeting:

Here are the links to Session 3 in-class activity pages:

Thank you for your time and consideration during these sessions

it has been a true pleasure getting to know each of you and conversing about how to transform the workplace in these crazy times. Should you wish to connect with me for any reason, please feel free to contact me at the details below (“Get in Touch” section). It is always a pleasure to hear from you.

Be well.

Get in touch

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Gedeon at jpgedeon@transformativedirections.com or at 416-303-0594

© 2020 Dr. JP Gedeon. All rights reserved. No part of this course or its materials/publications may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording, photocopying or otherwise, without written permission of Dr. JP Gedeon.