COMPASS (Pilot Program)
Applications are now open! Start planning with your manager today. Review the Make Learning Matter One-Pager for guidance.
COMPASS (Cultivating Ownership, Mindset, Purpose, Accountability, Self-awareness, and Stewardship) invests in emerging leaders who are individual contributors producing strong results and demonstrating core competencies and are curious about leadership. The program builds a foundation of self-leadership, communication, and relational intelligence, as aligned with BU’s values and leadership philosophy. Through reflection and applied practice, participants develop into leaders who elevate their teams, strengthen culture, and model continuous learning.
Key Features include the following:
- Designed for individual contributors producing strong results and consistently demonstrating core competencies and are curious about greater leadership responsibility.
- Builds foundational competencies in self-leadership, communication, and relational intelligence.
- Cohort-based, hybrid format with a total commitment of approximately 20 hours.
- Fosters readiness for roles and responsibilities of increasing scope and impact.
Audience/Eligibility
The program is designed for individual contributors at the P2–P5 who consistently demonstrates the following:
| Performance Excellence |
Consistently meets or exceeds deadlines, proactively communicates priority shifts, keeps stakeholders informed, shares resources to support peers, and demonstrates reliability without excessive oversight.
|
| Learner Mindset |
Articulates strengths and areas for growth, seeks out and implements new tools or approaches, adapts based on feedback, and reflects outcomes with curiosity.
|
| High Accountability |
Take ownership during breakdowns, remains composed when navigating challenges with others, demonstrates empathy and perspective-taking, and engages with feedback openly. |
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing COMPASS, participants will be able to:
- Define their emerging leadership identity and articulate a personal leadership philosophy.
- Develop and practice core competencies in leading self and leading scope.
- Demonstrate competencies in communication, accountability, and collaboration aligned to BU’s leadership culture.
Content & Topics
COMPASS is structured around the following areas of leadership growth:
Leading Self
Participants explore personal values, strengths, and motivations to build the self-awareness that underpins effective leadership.
Leading Scope
Participants practice navigating complexity, managing competing priorities, and influencing outcomes beyond their immediate role.
Leading Others
Participants develop the communication, feedback, and relational skills needed to build trust, support peers, and positively influence the people around them.
Learning Methods
Learning methods include reflective practice, applied simulations and case studies, peer coaching, and a personal leadership development plan that participants build and refine throughout the program.
Topics include, but are not limited to the following:
- Orienting to Self-Leadership
- Communication & Building Relationships
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Problem Solving and Accountability
- Continuous Improvement and Future Planning
Application Process & Program Dates
The fall cohort application is live. Your application will include:
- Responses to open-ended questions
- A manager letter of recommendation.
Before applying, please connect with your manager to discuss your readiness, align on time and support needs, and establish your leadership goals. This upfront conversation sets you up for success in the program.
Program Dates
| Date |
Time |
Location |
| Wednesday, September 30, 2026 |
9-1pm |
HR training room at 25 Buick Street |
| Wednesday, October 7, 2026 |
9-1pm |
HR training room at 25 Buick Street |
| Wednesday, October 14, 2026 |
9-1pm |
HR training room at 25 Buick Street |
| Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
9-1pm |
HR training room at 25 Buick Street |
| Wednesday, October 28, 2026 |
9-1pm |
HR training room at 25 Buick Street |