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Leadership is the foundation of all top-performing companies or organizations. "Leadership is the single most determining factor in predicting if a company or organization will be able to meet their objectives, fulfill their mission or achieve success no matter how it is measured." Leadership is based on learned behaviors and can be taught to individuals who are willing and open to learning new behaviors or strengthening existing behaviors.

The principles that describe and define leadership are well documented in professional and trade journals, educational texts, and in other relevant educational offerings. All organizations readily acknowledge the importance of leadership and yet most do not invest the time or resources to develop ongoing programs that enhance the leadership capabilities of their managers. However, when the opportunity to expose managers to quality experiences that have the potential to strengthen leadership within the organization arises, most organizations are quick to participate.

Universities are well prepared to teach leaders technical skills needed on the job. They provide educational experiences that help the student discover or practice some of the behavioral competencies needed to be effective leaders. However, these efforts are not enough. It is important to be intentional about making leadership development a priority. if University programs are to fulfill their promise to adequately prepare students for the challenges that will face in the health services workplace.

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ's Health Administration Program has a unique opportunity to respond to two unmet needs through HALI. The students in all College of Health programs need to increase exposure to leadership learning experiences and the employers in the community who hire our students would benefit from the opportunity to provide formal leadership training opportunities for their staff. The development of a formal Healthcare Leadership Institute as a part of the Health Administration Program serves both the students and local health services, and employers while keeping with the mission of the Health Administration Program, College of Health, and the University.