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MAPS for Leadership

2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
MAPS for Leadership
PCL Module 2
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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Objectives
Complete a MAP for the purpose of tracing
ones history, dreams, fears, qualities and
needs as a parent leader

Use results of the MAP to create an action
plan related to leadership development

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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Essential Questions
What is a MAP?
What does completion of a MAP tell you
about your strengths and needs as a
leader?
What does completion of a MAP tell you
about your future plans for expanding your
roles as a leader?

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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Agenda:
MAPS for Leadership
Introduction to the process (20 minutes)

Completion of MAPS with partners
(25 minutes)

Small Group Sharing (15 minutes)
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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Overview of the MAPS
Process
Youre going to do a MAP! This is a planning
activity designed to help you reflect on your past
and future experiences as a leader.

MAPS stands for Making Action Plans System,
or the McGill Action Planning System.

Reference: OBrien, J., Forest, M., with Snow, J., & Hasbury, D. (1989).
Action for inclusion. Toronto, ON: Frontier College Press.

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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
5 Steps to a MAP
1. HISTORY: a short description of the background and individual circumstances that led
you here today.

2. DREAMS: a vision of things you would like to see happening as you expand your role
as a parent leader.

3. FEARS: a description of your worries or concerns about expanding your role as a
leader.

4. WHO AM I: a description of yourself, including the strengths, skills, likes, and values
you bring to your role as a leader.

5. NEEDS: a description of the things that need to happen to help make your vision for
the future come true.
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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Directions for
Completing Your MAPS
Try to be free flowing with your responses; no one else
will be judging them.
As you work through each step, just concentrate on
capturing your ideas. Your responses dont need to be
confined to a neat, organized list. There will be an
opportunity to summarize and highlight your responses
at the end of the activity.
This activity is for your use. The activity will close with
an opportunity to share, draw upon and use the MAPS
results, but you can decide what information you want to
share.


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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Step I: History
HISTORY: Briefly describe the background and circumstances that
led you here today.

Note: This history is not meant to be a detailed chronological
account, more like highlights.

Here are some things to think about:
What is significant about your personal history?
What is significant about your family or child(ren)s history?
What were your first experiences in which you saw yourself as a leader?
What adult experiences and/or training have helped you see yourself as
a potential leader?

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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Step 2: Dreams
DREAMS: What dreams do you have in relation to your
personal and professional development as a parent
leader?

Note: Dream big! Dreams do not have to be realistic!

Here are some things to think about:
What changes do you dream about that will involve your
leadership or advocacy?
What do you hope to accomplish in the next year? 5 years? 10
years?
How do you envision yourself as a leader?

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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Step 3: Fears
FEARS: What are your worries or concerns about
becoming a parent leader?

Note: By identifying your fears, you may find ways to
overcome some of your challenges.

Here are some things to think about:
What concerns arise as you think about becoming a leader?
What barriers might stand in the way of realization of your
leadership dreams?
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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Step 4: Who Am I?
WHO AM I: How do you describe yourself as a leader?

Notes: By describing your strengths, skills, likes, dislikes, etc., you
may be better able to develop your role as a leader

Here are some things to think about:
What words best describe you?
What skills, gifts, and talents will support your journey as a leader?
What other skills and talents will you need?
What do you like/dislike about your current role(s) involving leadership
or advocacy?
What values and beliefs guide your life and work as a person and
leader?
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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Step 5: Needs
NEEDS: What needs to happen to make your dreams
about leadership become a reality?

Notes: As you prepare for this step, review your notes
from the first four steps to identify key ideas or themes
that may be important.

Here are some things to think about:
What skills would you like to develop further?
What else will you need to expand your role as a leader?
What supports do you need from others?

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MAPS for Leadership
2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center
Group Discussion
What common experiences have group
members had in relation to each of the
MAPS steps?

How will you use the information from your
MAP to expand your leadership skills,
knowledge and roles?