For years, some of the most notable names in advanced and adult education have been perfecting the art of learning shared among a small group of peers. Google “cohort learning” and more than 10,000,000 sites – from internationally acclaimed business schools to small, community-based organizations—will appear. Some of the most notable, and exclusive, leadership development programs that the fire and emergency service has access to, such as Harvard Universities’ Senior Executives in State and Local Government Executive Leadership Program and the Naval Postgraduate School, use this technique with great success.
How then to adapt this type of high-impact learning opportunity to fire service leadership education and problem solving? Drawing on the cohort learning model and feedback from the community the IAFC has looked to combine practical and accessible education into an extraordinary, peer-based experience by creating Executive Edge.
Executive Edge provides an intimate gathering exclusively for fire service executives with education that is customized to the group and networking that is personal and ongoing. Each symposium differs based on the topics brought to the group creating an unconventional format where learning and networking excel, allowing for a deeper dive than traditional classroom learning. Drawing on their different experiences and perspectives, Executive Edge participants make the event their own, and create a network of support, advice and friendship that can be drawn on throughout their career
The IAFC presents the program multiple times a year, moving around the U.S. to support accessibility as fire department travel budgets continue to shrink. The event is capped at 25 attendees, as class size is an important aspect when it comes to participants fully engaging in the group facilitated discussions. Still, while many Executive Edge programs sell out, this program is not for everyone. Executive Edge offers advanced lessons for those looking to supplement traditional classroom-style learning and committed to taking their leadership skills to the next level.
The final Executive Edge for 2012 will be November 15-16 in New Orleans. If you are looking for big ideas to help you in today’s changing climate or you’re facing tough challenges and seeking a small group of peers with whom you can problem solve, get big ideas from this small event. Register today at www.iafc.org/ExecEdge.
Mark Wendelsdorf
President, Western Fire Chiefs Association
www.wfca.com