10 Things You Can Do to Prepare for #LinkageGILD

In less than two weeks, we will be welcoming 500+ senior leaders from around the world to the Global Institute for Leadership Development^® in Palm Desert, CA. The Linkage team is eager to join you in what promises to be a memorable experience, and a fundamental step in your journey to becoming a purposeful leader.

You can follow all of the action taking place on center stage, read leadership insights from our outstanding faculty, and be a part of the memorable moments on Twitter using the hashtag #LinkageGILD (or on Facebook and LinkedIn).

As we prepare to kick things off, our team has compiled a list of resources to help you make the most of your #LinkageGILD experience:

1. Registered attendees, download the #LinkageGILD app (event code: GILD2018). Access your schedule, meet this year’s faculty, drop a note to your coach, and get program updates.
2. Prepare to participate—GILD has no spectators. Be ready to immerse yourself in all aspects of the Institute and keep an open mind—you might just be surprised by what you learn about yourself and what’s possible for you on your journey of self-discovery and growth.
3. Play some “games.” Truly innovative thinking rarely happens within the confines of a typical corporate environment. GILD faculty Stephen Shapiro uses the metaphor of “kid games” to explain how unbounded, unrestrictive thinking can sharpen the creative mind. Prepare to treat GILD as your innovation playground.
4. Commit to staying present. Make the most of your time at GILD by forging authentic, lasting connections—and bring this mindset back to your workplace. Read this interview with Ariel Group CEO Sean Kavanagh to learn why presence is a much-needed—and often lacking—central tenet of leadership.
5. Keep your tribe in mind. We all know that culture is important—but how do you build and maintain a working environment that fosters high performance, inclusivity, and innovation? Listen to author Dave Logan share insights on the five stages underlying tribal relationships, and how to leverage this knowledge into a culture transformation.
6. Think about your purpose. There are no foolproof formulas for how to define your purpose as a leader, but there are many helpful techniques to assist you, like these seven questions from GILD co-chair Richard Leider. Reflect on them to see what you can discover about yourself—and bring them with you to discuss with your personal coach.
7. Leverage the collective wisdom of your peers. When you arrive at GILD, take a look around. You’ll be surrounded by hundreds of leaders from across the globe—a networking opportunity like no other. For words of wisdom from leaders beyond GILD, check out Michael Bungay Stanier’s podcast The Coaching Habit.
8. Think outside the box—and always think inclusively. Elise Roy, a deaf human-centered designer and motivational speaker, is passionate about the idea that designing for disability results in better solutions. Read this interview with Elise to gain insight into her human-centric innovation ideas.
9. Remember why you’re here. At GILD, you’ll have the unique opportunity to reflect on your own leadership journey—and what inspires you to lead. Our greatest call to action as leaders is to know and live our purpose. It matters—and has a lasting impact on us, our team, and our organization.
10. Make time for you. The GILD experience is what you make of it. When you return to the office, give yourself time to process what you’ve learned, choose goals to act on, and schedule your follow-up coaching sessions.

Follow @LinkageInc on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Tweet, post and share about your experience, and connect with other attendees. This year’s official hashtag is #LinkageGILD.

See you at GILD!