PROGRAM GUIDE: ONLINE

FOUNDATIONS
OF LEADERSHIP
#theNSLS | nsls.org

COPYRIGHT © 2024 THE NATIONAL SOCIET Y OF LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Welcome 2

Part 1: Orientation 3

Identities 4

Goals Chart 6

PAST Goal 6

FUTURE Goal 7

Part 2: Leadership Training Day 8

WELCOME TO
Welcome 9

THE NATIONAL
PAST Mad Lib 10

FUTURE Mad Lib 11

SOCIETY OF
SMART Goals 12

LEADERSHIP
Part 3: Success Networking 16
Team Meetings
Meeting #1 16

AND SUCCESS!
Meeting #2 17

Meeting #3 18

In the Foundations of Leadership program, we teach the

Part 4: Speaker Broadcasts 19 fundamentals of leadership, empowering others to conquer
whatever lies ahead and to become a stronger leader. Along
with peers at your local chapter, you will be joining a community
Part 5: Induction 20 of over 2 million NSLS members nationwide. Throughout your
leadership journey you will be supported every step of the way by
your Chapter Leader(s) and the National Office.

This is where your leadership begins - and it starts now!

Congratulations on taking the first step toward becoming a leader
who makes a better world.

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | WELCOME 2

 ORIENTATION
Orientation is the jumping-off point on your journey with the NSLS. It sets the tone for the events to follow and
is a key step in the Foundations of Leadership Certification. Orientation offers you the chance to:

DISCOVER YOUR IDENTITY

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NSLS

LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBER BENEFITS

EXPLORE THE NSLS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

ACTIVATE PERSONAL GOALS

The following activity will help you get started with discovering your identity. Many of our members have
reported a lifelong mindset toward success through the NSLS, and it all begins at Orientation.

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | ORIENTATION 3

 ORIENTATION: DISCOVER YOUR IDENTITY

IDENTITIES LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NSLS

LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBER BENEFITS

EXPLORE THE NSLS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

ACTIVATE PERSONAL GOALS

In the space below each question, write down your answers to the following questions.

What is something you’ve done recently that made you happy?

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

If you were given 2 extra hours a day, what would you do with them?

If you have extra time, answer these additional questions:

Describe an event that pushed you to want to be better at something.

What’s a skill that you particularly admire in someone you know?

What gets you up in the morning? Describe your core passion.

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | ORIENTATION 4

 ORIENTATION: DISCOVER YOUR IDENTITY

HISTORY AND GENERAL LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NSLS

NSLS INFORMATION LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBER BENEFITS

EXPLORE THE NSLS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

ACTIVATE PERSONAL GOALS

NSLS membership is much more than an excellent resume builder. In addition to all your member benefits,
you also gain access to the only accredited leadership program offered by a national honor society.

As a reminder, you’re sitting in the first event of your steps to induction.

1. ORIENTATION
STEPS TOWARD
LEADERSHIP 2. LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY

INDUCTION 3. SPEAKER BROADCASTS

4. SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAMS

5. INDUCTION

During this entire experience, you will learn the principles and behaviors needed to be a strong leader. These
include identifying your passions and purpose to help you set successful goals. Use the space below to take
notes or identify questions.

Questions/Notes

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | ORIENTATION 5

 ORIENTATION: DISCOVER YOUR IDENTITY

GOALS CHART LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NSLS

LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBER BENEFITS

EXPLORE THE NSLS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

ACTIVATE PERSONAL GOALS

Use the chart below to complete the goals activity. Label each item according to the following:
• “P” for PAST - you have already accomplished this goal.
• “F” for FUTURE - you definitely want to accomplish this goal one day.
• “N” for NEVER - you never ever want to do this.
• Use the write-in space to add your own goals.

HEALTH HAPPINESS
Complete a run/walk goal consistently Raise a family

Achieve a long-term health or nutrition goal Develop more meaningful, personal relationships

Give myself scheduled social media and/or

Perform on stage in front of others
technology breaks

Get adequate sleep regularly Play on a team

Keep a daily journal Learn a musical instrument or new language

Incorporate meditation into my daily routine Travel or explore a new place

Write-in goal: __________________________________ Write-in goal: __________________________________

Write-in goal: __________________________________ Write-in goal: __________________________________

IMPACT CAREER
Host a charity event Earn a promotion at work

Petition or advocate for something I am passionate

Win a company award
about

Earn a leadership position Make 500 meaningful LinkedIn connections

Fundraise $1,000 for a worthy cause Start my own business

Complete 50 hours of community service Earn a job/internship I want

Help with a random act of kindness Achieve a 3.5+ GPA

Write-in goal: __________________________________ Write-in goal: __________________________________

Write-in goal: __________________________________ Write-in goal: __________________________________

• Circle or highlight your “P” PAST Goal you are most proud of. Why are you most proud of this goal?

• Circle or highlight an “F” FUTURE Goal from each category (Happiness, Health, Impact, Career).

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | ORIENTATION 6

 ORIENTATION:

FUTURE GOAL

Now that you have circled or highlighted an “F” FUTURE Goal in each category, choose the one that
excites you the most and write it here:

REFLECTION QUESTION: What is it about your FUTURE Goal that excites you the most?

Keep this goal in mind. We are going to revisit this goal in our next session: Leadership Training Day.

OPTIONAL:
Write down something that excited you during your Orientation.

WHAT’S NEXT
The next part of your steps to Induction is to complete Leadership Training Day!

ORIENTATION
LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY
3 SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM MEETINGS
3 SPEAKER BROADCASTS
INDUCTION

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | ORIENTATION 7

 LEADERSHIP
TRAINING DAY
WELCOME!
This is your chance to learn more about your own leadership identity. Let’s stay focused on today’s goal: creating a
personal network of motivated leaders who build a better world.

The LTD is designed to introduce the NSLS’ fundamental philosophies about leadership. These foundations
create a solid starting point. We can’t teach you everything about leadership in a few hours. As a topic,
leadership is a years-long engagement process.

Today, we will provide tools to help you explore new mindsets and examine how your beliefs are impacting
goal achievement. We’ll take time to focus on personal goals while also considering how to create inclusive
spaces for others.

Here’s what you’ll do today:

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR OWN IDENTITY

LEARN ABOUT CLARIFYING PURPOSE

SET A SMART GOAL

PRACTICE INCLUSIVITY

ENGAGE IN A SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY 8

 LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY: LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR OWN IDENTITY

WELCOME LEARN ABOUT CLARIFYING PURPOSE

SET A SMART GOAL

PRACTICE INCLUSIVITY

ENGAGE IN A SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM

In the space below each question, write down your answers to the following questions:

What was your last New Year’s Resolution and did you accomplish it?

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

When have you accomplished something as part of a team?

If you have extra time, answer these additional questions:

What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now?

What is something that’s easy for you to do but hard for others?

What do strangers always compliment you on?

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY 9

 LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY: LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR OWN IDENTITY

PAST MAD LIB LEARN ABOUT CLARIFYING PURPOSE

SET A SMART GOAL

PRACTICE INCLUSIVITY

ENGAGE IN A SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM

Using your Goals Chart from the Orientation section, titled Orientation: Goals, complete the following activity.

Write in your “P” PAST Goal you are most proud of:

Using your “P” PAST goal, fill in the blanks below to complete your Past Mad Lib.

The goal that I have already accomplished that I’m most proud of is

____________________________________. I decided to work toward this

goal because ___________________________________. The skills I needed

to accomplish that goal were _____________________________. Through

working toward this goal, I learned a few things about myself, including

_______________________________. I can achieve anything I put my mind to.

“
Nothing in life that’s worth
anything is easy.
President Barack Obama

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY 10

 LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY: LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR OWN IDENTITY

FUTURE MAD LIB LEARN ABOUT CLARIFYING PURPOSE

SET A SMART GOAL

PRACTICE INCLUSIVITY

ENGAGE IN A SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM

Using your Goals Chart from the Orientation section, titled Orientation: Goals, complete the following activity.

Write in your “F” FUTURE Goal that excites you the most:

Using your “F” FUTURE goal, fill in the blanks below to complete your Future Mad Lib.

The goal that I want to accomplish is ______________________________.

I want to work really hard to achieve this goal. I decided to work toward

this goal because _______________________________. The skills I need

to accomplish this goal are _______________________________. If I hit a

barrier or challenge when working toward this goal, I am going to

_______________________________. I can achieve anything I put my mind to.

Don’t you dare

“
underestimate the power
of your own instinct.
Barbara Corcoran

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY 11

 LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY: LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR OWN IDENTITY

SMART GOALS LEARN ABOUT CLARIFYING PURPOSE

SET A SMART GOAL

PRACTICE INCLUSIVITY

ENGAGE IN A SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM

SMART GOALS

S pecific. (Detailed)
M easurable. (Milestones)
A ctionable. (Actions)
R ewarding. (Fulfill your passion)
T ime Specific. (Includes an end date)

Evaluate your “F” FUTURE goal that excites you the most based on the SMART criteria.

Is your goal:
(Check box yes/no)

YES NO

If no, add specifics

Specific?

If no, add milestones

Measurable?

If no, add actions

Actionable?

If no, add values

Rewarding?

If no, add deadlines

Time Specific?

Now, using the chart above, draft a SMART Goal Statement in the space below.

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY 12

 LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY: LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR OWN IDENTITY

INCLUSION ICEBERG LEARN ABOUT CLARIFYING PURPOSE

SET A SMART GOAL

PRACTICE INCLUSIVITY

ENGAGE IN A SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM

Creating an inclusive network means leaders must see the world from a variety of perspectives. But what if,
in our interactions with others, we only focus on the things we can see on the surface? This activity will help to
develop the skills necessary to become a leader who looks beyond the surface and values others’ perspectives.

ABOVE THE WATER LINE

CLOTHING
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

AT THE WATER LINE

GENDER
MARITAL STATUS
RACE
ABILITIES/DISABILITIES
RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY
AGE/GENERATION
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS

BELOW THE WATER LINE

NATIONALITY SEXUAL ORIENTATION

INTERESTS HOBBIES
LANGUAGE EDUCATION
HEALTH FAMILY ROLES
CAREER/POSITION VALUES
GEOGRAPHIC ORIGINS BELIEFS
ETHNIC BACKGROUND PERSONALITY

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY 13

Something you may not know just by looking at me is:

SMART GOALS
REFLECTION QUESTION: What is the first action step you are going to take to achieve your goal?

WHAT’S NEXT
The next phase in your steps to Induction is to complete 3 Success Networking Team Meetings
and attend 3 Speaker Broadcasts!

ORIENTATION
LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY
3 SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM MEETINGS
3 SPEAKER BROADCASTS
INDUCTION

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY 14

 SUCCESS
NETWORKING TEAMS
The Success Networking Team (SNT) concept is based on leadership research that highlights the ways leaders
collaborate within a tight-knit group of their peers to achieve more. These networks of supportive individuals help
hold successful leaders accountable for reaching goals, offer support along the way, and help celebrate successes.

WHAT IS A SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM MEETING AND HOW TO FACILITATE AN SNT

1 Form your own SNT group
To form a group, you have several options:
Option One: Go to the official NSLS Facebook Group. Many people post messages seeking peers to start their
SNTs. If you don’t see a current active post, start your own. Or check to see if there are active groups that other
schools offer. You don’t have to belong to a specific school to join some groups.
Copy and paste this post language if you’re looking to start a group: Would anyone like to start a virtual SNT
group? We can meet new people and help each other along the way. I think 4-5 people to join is good.
Looking forward to connecting!
Option Two: Check your Chapter Events Calendar to see if SNT options are available.
Option Three: This is a great opportunity to collaborate with family, friends, peers, and/or colleagues and
their networks.
2 Watch the SNT Overview video and use this guide to help you facilitate your meetings. Your meetings
should be held 1-2 weeks apart to allow for meaningful progress towards your SMART goals.
3 After each meeting, be sure to submit an SNT report about your meeting. Please note: If your team
members are not members of the NSLS, they do not need to submit a report. To complete your SNTs, you must
submit and receive credit for a total of three SNT reports.

Note: You can work on the Speaker Broadcast step and Success Networking Teams step simultaneously as they
can be completed in any order.
FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAMS 15
 SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAMS:

MEETING #1
As an Online member, you will organize your own SNT group. Each SNT follows the same format:

• Share with your group the draft of the SMART goal you chose (Leadership Training Day: SMART
Goals section)
• Gain feedback from your SNT about your SMART Goal
• Set action steps to achieve SMART Goal
• Submit your SNT Report
• REMINDER: Your SNT meetings should be held 1-2 weeks apart to allow for meaningful progress towards
your SMART Goals

SMART GOALS WORKSHEET

Optional: Utilize the chart below to track your progress toward your goal. If useful, feel free to share your
notes with your fellow SNT members during your next meeting

GOAL Be specific and concise. Include the measure and time frame. MY GOAL IS...

Specific S

Measurable M

Actionable A

Rewarding R

Time Specific T

PURPOSE Why is the goal relevant? What are the benefits? COMPLETION DATE

REFLECTION
What is the first action step you are
CHALLENGES What are the challenges to overcome? What resources and skills are needed? going to take to achieve your goal?

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAMS 16

 SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAMS:

MEETING #2
In your SNT Meeting #2, share your progress toward goals with your group. Optional: Utilize the chart
below to track your progress toward your goal. If useful, feel free to share your notes with your fellow SNT
members during your next meeting.

As a reminder, each SNT follows the same format:

• Share with your group the draft of the SMART goal you chose (Leadership Training Day: SMART
Goals section)
• Gain feedback from your SNT about your SMART Goal
• Set action steps to achieve SMART Goal
• Submit your SNT Report
• REMINDER: Your SNT meetings should be held 1-2 weeks apart to allow for meaningful progress towards
your SMART Goals

GOAL Be specific and concise. Include the measure and time frame. MY GOAL IS...

KEY STEPS
How will you achieve your goal? What are the milestones and key steps?

Description Start Date Complete Date

Often, people who can do,

don’t because they’re afraid of
“
what people that can’t do
will say about them doing.
Trevor Noah

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAMS 17

 SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAMS:

MEETING #3
In your SNT Meeting #3, share your progress toward goals with your group. Optional: Utilize the chart
below to track your progress toward your goal. If useful, feel free to share your notes with your fellow SNT
members during your next meeting.

As a reminder, each SNT follows the same format:

• Share with your group the draft of the SMART goal you chose (Leadership Training Day: SMART
Goals section)
• Gain feedback from your SNT about your SMART Goal
• Set action steps to achieve SMART Goal
• Submit your SNT Report
• REMINDER: Your SNT meetings should be held 1-2 weeks apart to allow for meaningful progress towards
your SMART Goals

GOAL Be specific and concise. Include the measure and time frame. MY GOAL IS...

KEY STEPS
How will you achieve your goal? What are the milestones and key steps?

Description Start Date Complete Date

WHAT’S NEXT
The last piece of your steps to Induction is to attend 3 Speaker Broadcasts!

ORIENTATION
LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY
3 SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM MEETINGS
3 SPEAKER BROADCASTS
INDUCTION

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAMS 18

 SPEAKER
BROADCASTS

SPEAKER
BROADCASTS
The NSLS broadcasts are live conversations with incredible leaders. These interactive events are open to our
members so we can all have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the best of the best. The speakers
are carefully chosen for their ability to relate to a diverse audience. Barack Obama, Deepak Chopra, Dr. Bernice
King, and Carla Hall are just a few examples of our NSLS past speakers.

Our guests cover a variety of topics relevant to NSLS members: creating a vision, achieving goals, and ways to
find success in any career.

For your speaker broadcasts, you can navigate to the Speaker Broadcast tab in the Members Area of our
website. There, you may choose from any of the speaker videos listed. You will receive credit when you watch
a minimum of 30 minutes of a broadcast in one sitting.

WHAT’S NEXT
ORIENTATION
LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY
3 SUCCESS NETWORKING TEAM MEETINGS
3 SPEAKER BROADCASTS
INDUCTION

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | SPEAKER BROADCASTS 19

 INDUCTION
Induction is an honor celebrating and welcoming new members into the NSLS – a lifelong membership filled
with benefits and access to a network over 2 million strong.

In order to reach Induction, members must attend Orientation, Leadership Training Day, three Success
Networking Team (SNT) meetings, and three Speaker Broadcasts with all submissions accepted through
the NSLS Members area. Once you’ve completed these steps, you will receive your Induction kit in the mail in
approximately 10-14 business days.

The NSLS national office or your local chapter may be hosting a ceremony and we encourage you to attend
to celebrate.

INDUCTION

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | INDUCTION 20

 WHAT’S NEXT?
Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed the Foundations of Leadership certificate program and launched your
leadership journey as an inducted member of the NSLS.

Continue strengthening your leadership skills with the next step in our leadership development series. Each program
offers certificate-level courses focused on self-leadership and personal development, as well as credit-level courses
focused on team and community leadership. By completing these self-paced, asynchronous online courses designed
to help you become a leader who builds a better world, you’ll have the opportunity to earn digital badges, certificates,
transcripts, and more.

If you continue on a certificate path, you’ll build on the insights from FOL in our Advanced Leadership certificate
course, where you’ll learn the fundamental principles and behaviors of leadership while engaging in self-reflection
and growth mindset work. Then you’ll advance to the Executive Leadership certificate course, where you’ll commit
to personal leadership development by designing and completing a Better Me: Better World Project.

Ready to continue on your certificate path? ENROLL TODAY

If you’re interested in a credit path, your next step is to enroll in the Foundations of Leadership: Principles of
Leadership course where you will identify your personal leadership style. Then, you will complete the Advanced
Leadership credit course, where you will work on a team to plan and propose a solution to a real world challenge.
Finally, you’ll complete the Executive Leadership credit course, which is designed to support students in making a positive
impact in their local communities through the creation and completion of a Better Community: Better World Project.

If you have questions about any of these many opportunities to invest in your growth and development, email the NSLS
at help@nsls.org and someone will be happy to assist you in taking the next steps on your leadership path.

FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP | WHAT’S NEXT 21

 #theNSLS | nsls.org

COPYRIGHT © 2024 THE NATIONAL SOCIET Y OF LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.