FAQ
How is the SLG Fellows Program different from other leadership development programs?
Traditional leadership development focuses on the leader. The SLG Fellows Program begins by helping fellows understand themselves, but then shifts the focus on team dynamics. Equipped with the knowledge of what their teams need from their leader, SLG Fellows create a plan with the support of their personal mentor, as well as a cohort of peers and mentors, to immediately put what they learn into practice.
SLG Fellows experience immediate and sustained growth through making small changes in their behavior that make a significant impact on their team’s success.
What is expected of me as a Fellow?
Because Fellows learn from one another, when a Fellow misses a session or isn’t prepared for the session, the entire cohort is affected. Thus, we ask that Fellows be committed to the program by completing all assignments, attending all cohort sessions, and scheduling and meeting with their Mentor in between sessions.
We understand that emergencies happen and we will work with Fellows to get caught up as needed. However, we ask that you review your schedule and the cohort’s schedule once accepted to identify conflicts prior to joining a cohort.
We understand that emergencies happen and we will work with Fellows to get caught up as needed. However, we ask that you review your schedule and the cohort’s schedule once accepted to identify conflicts prior to joining a cohort.
How are Fellows paired with Mentors?
Fellows and Mentors are paired based on the Program Manager’s getting to know the Fellow during their interview and the knowledge of the Mentors available for a given cohort. A staff team member finalizes pairings based on a Fellow’s background and goals. On the VERY rare occasion there is an ill-matched pair, we support the Fellow with a new Mentor.
What is the time commitment to participate in the program?
Cohorts typically meet as a group every other week and Fellows meet one-on-one with their Mentor during the off week. Cohort sessions last approximately 2.5 hours and Mentor sessions can range from 1.5-2 hours depending on the needs and availability of the Mentor-Fellow pair. Reading/writing/reflection assignments can range from Fellow to Fellow but a good estimate is 1-3 hours per cohort session (i.e., every two weeks).
How likely is it that I will receive a partial or fully paid fellowship?
Thanks to our generous donors and brand partners, SLG is proud to be able to offer leadership development to any individual regardless of their economic status. Applicants are encouraged to take an honest assessment of their need and then ask for the amount of assistance that will enable them to participate in the program.
How do I know if I am eligible to be a Fellow?
Our Fellows are mid-career professionals. Typically, that means those between the ages of 25-45 years. However, it is more about experience than age. The Fellow must have some experience with leading a team, whether as an employee or as a volunteer, and must currently be in, or stepping into a leadership role.
This program focuses on leading a team. Without a team to develop or plan for, the program will not be as immediately practical or impactful.
How is the SLG’s programs different from other leadership development programs?
Traditional leadership development focuses on the leader. The SLG Fellows Program begins by helping fellows understand themselves, but then shifts the focus on team dynamics. SLG Fellows experience immediate and sustained growth through making small changes in their behavior that make a significant impact on their team’s success.
Organizations work with SLG because they desire the level of high performance that can only be achieved through investing in a culture of character.
Why invest in character development?
When leaders consistently demonstrate good character, which is developed through living out a set of transcendent virtues, they inspire their followers to do the same. A team’s commitment to acting according to a shared set of virtues instills a sense of belonging and trust within the team, allowing them to work collaboratively and optimize performance. And because everyone wants to be part of a high performing team, when an organization invests in character development, they are also investing in employee retention.
You talk a lot about virtues. How is that different from values?
Values vary person by person and are aspirational. Virtues, however, are universally recognized as being morally good and are based in reality. That is to say, that they are produced through one’s behavior, not ideals or aspirations.
How long is the Teams Program and what does it include?
The full program takes approximately five (5) months to complete and includes leadership development for mid-level leaders through our Fellows Program, the opportunity to certify senior level leaders as mentors, and three (3) additional team development sessions with an SLG executive and a senior SLG mentor.
How much does the Teams Program cost?
Because there is some customization available to suit individual organizations’ needs, please contact us to schedule a free discovery session.
I’m interested in bringing SLG to my organization. Do you have anything I can take to my leadership team?
Yes! Contact us and we will send you more information.
Why do I need to be certified to be a mentor?
Our Mentors come to SLG from various industries and with various experience levels and backgrounds. Some have vast experience in mentoring, while others are just getting started. Either way, few have formally conducted holistic mentoring.
Our certification program not only allows us to ensure everyone has the tools and skills they need to walk alongside the Fellows through the Fellows Program, but it helps us have a shared attitude and commitment to developing the whole person rather than focusing solely on the Fellow’s career.
What is expected of me as a Mentor?
As a newly trained Mentor, you will be asked to attend all cohort sessions for your first cohort. Once fully certified and you are joining your second cohort or beyond, you will only be asked to commit to attending the sessions in which you sign up to be a small group facilitator.
Additionally, Mentors are expected to hold Fellows accountable for scheduling and meeting with you, as well as their plans of action in which you help them create in your sessions.
I’m not sure if mentoring is right for me. How else can I support the SLG mission?
If becoming an SLG Certified Mentor is not a good fit at this time, we have other project- and leadership-based volunteer opportunities you may want to consider.
If time is not something you can give at the moment, you can still support the SLG mission through donating or partnering with us.
Finally, we are always looking for more people to reach with the SLG experience. Nominating Fellows and Mentors, or connecting us with potential organizations interested in bringing SLG to their organization or other partners are also valuable ways you can help this network of courageous leaders in your community and across the country.
How long does it take to certify?
The time period in which it takes a Mentor to certify can be affected by when they begin their certification, as well as their ability to make it to cohort observations, training sessions, and complete the required reading. However, the active time involved with training can range from 23-25 hours.
How many cohorts must I participate in once certified?
Once training is completed, a Mentor will be eligible to be matched during the next convening of cohorts in their location or virtually. Once a Mentor has completed all items on their Mentor Commitment form, including mentoring for a full cohort, they are officially certified and are encouraged to mentor in as many cohorts as their schedule permits.
It is important to note that eligible mentors may not have a match for every cohort in which they are available for. However, unmatched Mentors are always invited to assist as a Senior Fellow in any of our cohorts!
How do I know if I am eligible to be a Mentor?
Our Mentors come to SLG from various industries and with various experience levels and backgrounds. What they have in common is that they have a track record of leading successful teams while exemplifying good character, whether in a paid status or as a volunteer.
Eligible candidates are lifelong learners. They are willing to be humble and share past mistakes so others may learn. Our Mentors also understand the importance of community and enjoy the support and camaraderie of the other mentors in the SLG Network.
Is Severn Leadership Group a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization?
Yes. SLG became a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2017. All donations are tax deductible.
Does SLG accept matching funds from my employer?
Yes. We are happy to supply any additional information or forms you require.
How do I log into my SLG giving account?
We use Kindful as our donor management system. We would love for you to create a donor account within Kindful by following these steps.
Go to this page and click the 'Sign In' option in the top right corner.
If you have not signed up for an account before, please fill out the fields to create a new donor account. If you've made donations to us in the past, you'll want to use the same email address associated with your past gifts. Please note this will create a new, temporary account, and it will not show your full donation history until you complete steps 3 and 4.
Once you click submit, you'll receive a confirmation email to verify your account.
Once you've confirmed your email, you'll then be able to login to your donor account to update your contact info, manage recurring donations and download tax summaries/receipts.
Can I find SLG on Candid (formerly Guidestar)?
Yes. In fact we were awarded the Platinum Seal (the highest rating) on Candid for our reporting and impact. You can view our information by clicking here.
Is SLG a registered charity on Facebook?
Yes. Donate on Facebook by selecting the “Donate” button at: https://www.facebook.com/severnleadershipgroup
How do I get a receipt for tax purposes?
Log in to your giving account (see above). You can also receive a receipt by sending an email to info@severnleadership.org. In January we automatically send out giving summaries to all donors for tax purposes.
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