Objectives for college leadership training vary based on the individual training sessions provided. In general, most college leadership training has the objective of teaching student leaders personal responsibility, effective communication, the importance of vision and purpose, how to run meetings, managing publicity, conflict resolution and delegation. The objective of the training is to not only get the student leader to learn fundamental leadership skills and theory, but to apply the fundamentals in the college setting.
College leadership training differs based on the type of training offered. For example, online college leadership training might feature short videos or PowerPoint presentations followed by quizzes or action steps to help the leader put the knowledge into practice. Leadership conferences have large group learning, as well as smaller group training where participants can discuss student leadership with other successful student leaders. Some college leadership training occurs one-on-one with a leadership consultant and features a combination of learning and drafting a unique plan to apply leadership skills and principles in specific ways.
One of the benefits of college leadership training is a more knowledgeable group of student leaders. Not only do student leaders obtain knowledge and skills that will help them throughout life, but colleges and universities benefit from highly capable leaders within their campus organizations. As well, student leaders will feel more confident in their leadership abilities, which may translate into increased performance in the classroom.
Some college leadership training is too general to be helpful to student leaders. For example, some college leadership training focuses on the values or styles of leadership, but provides no practical ways for applying the information to a student leader's leadership in the college setting. As well, some student leaders may already know the basics of how to run meetings or publicity and find the training boring or not helpful.
One of the main considerations for college leadership training is how well the training program is suited to a particular group of leaders. The more specialized the attention, the better chance of success. Before selecting any college leadership program, make sure the facilitator is experienced in student leadership. Obtain information on the purpose or goals of any college leadership training before agreeing to or attending training sessions.