Pivotal Leaders Program FAQs

A. The program’s inaugural cohort will be made up of approximately 20 members. If we receive an overwhelming number of applications, we may consider opening a second cohort.

A. Departments are not limited to a set number of applicants. All qualified Division & Section Chiefs are strongly encouraged to apply. The program will strive for balance across departments within the School of Medicine, selecting the most promising applicants.

A. Yes! You need to be a current Division Chief or Section Head, have a nomination from your Department Head, have been in your role at least one year prior to the start of the program, and commit to attending all in-person sessions and participating in all associated activities (e.g. the 1:1 coaching, 360 evaluation, between-session readings, etc.).

Your newer leaders will likely get the most out of the program, and/or the program can help them get off to a great start. They are required to have been in their role as Division Chief or Section Head at least one year prior to the start of the program.

Yes! The program is not restricted based on years of service as a Division Chief or Section Head outside of the one-year minimum requirement.

This program is currently limited to faculty who currently hold titles of Division Chief or Section Head. In future years, we may open the eligibility more broadly, but for now we are focused on Division and Section Chiefs.

This program is currently limited to faculty who currently hold titles of Division Chief or Section Head. In future years, we may open the eligibility more broadly to other leaders in the School of Medicine.

A. Offerings will target (1) Technical skills and WashU-specific context underlying successful operations; and (2) Leadership skills aimed at developing trust, psychological safety, and effective communication:

• Self-Leadership
• Strategic Leadership
• Finances
• Faculty & Staff Management
• Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Coaching Skills
• Change Management
• Leading for Trust & Psychological Safety
• Inclusive Leadership
• 360^o Evaluation
• And more . . .

A. Yes! We begin with a customized 360^o assessment. We will also use the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Assessment (TKI) and Personal Motivation Assessment (PRINT) during the program.

A. Yes! Each participant will receive 6 hours of 1:1 coaching sessions scheduled at mutually convenient times between the full-day program sessions and for the duration of the program. Coaches will work with participants focus on strategic goals, debriefing the 360° evaluation, developing a personal tailored development plan, supporting each leader with specific goals to enhance effectiveness.

A. Yes. Selected participants must commit to attend and actively participate in all program dates and activities associated with the program. If your schedule does not permit you to attend all of the 2025-2026 program dates, please wait and apply to another year (information forthcoming in Winter 2025/Spring 2026).

A. The bulk of your time commitment and participation will take place within the program dates and six (6) hours of one-on-one Executive Coaching.

Coaching sessions are scheduled at mutually agreed upon times that work with your schedule.

There is a minimal amount of time required for short pre-readings and pre-work between formal program dates. This pre-work and reading takes the form of short articles, podcasts, assessments, and surveys. Count on spending an hour before each session to prepare. Completion time can vary across assignments. Some assignments may take more or less than the average time to complete.

A. Yes. At this time, the Pivotal Leaders Program is limited to Division and Section Chiefs and Head. Visit our Office’s Calendar of Events to learn more about other leadership and career development programs and opportunities open to all ranks and leaders in the School of Medicine.

A. You must have been in your role at least one (1) year as of the start date of this year’s program (September 12, 2025).

A. No. As long as you have been in your Division Chief or Section Head role for at least one year prior to the program’s start date, you are eligible and encouraged to apply!!

No. The application consists of three documents: 1) Personal Statement, 2) CV, and 3) Chair/Department Head Letter. There is no separate form or process to complete.

The application documents may be combined in a single PDF or sent as 3 separate attachments (Word doc. or PDF).

A. Your department head must provide a letter of support that includes the following statement: “I commit to providing protected time and duty release as needed to allow the applicant to attend all program sessions.” We strongly encourage applicants to speak with their Chairs and heads prior to applying about this commitment.

A. No. The $10,000 per person tuition for this year’s program is covered by the Office of Faculty Promotions & Career Development.

A. Yes. The letter must include the following statement: “I commit to providing protected time and duty release as needed to allow the applicant to attend all program sessions.” The letter should also discuss the scope of the applicant’s leadership experience; the potential impact of the individual’s participation as part of the applicant’s career development; and how the applicant’s participation in the program will foster the growth and development of the applicant’s Section or Division.