Leadership Development &
Professional Growth Opportunities
in New Ulm, Minnesota
The Leader Collaboratory of New Ulm is a professional leadership development program designed for managers, supervisors, business owners, shift leads, emerging leaders, and workplace teams throughout Southern Minnesota.
Hosted by the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, the program provides hands-on leadership training focused on communication, workplace culture, employee engagement, conflict resolution, change management, and sustainable leadership.
Rather than traditional “sit-and-get” seminars, the Leader Collaboratory is intentionally interactive and practical — giving participants real-world leadership tools they can immediately apply within their organizations and teams.
The nine-month program combines collaborative workshops, leadership reflection, peer discussion, and actionable strategy building to help local professionals grow with confidence while strengthening workplace culture across the New Ulm region.
Led by leadership and culture coach Ann Vote, the Leader Collaboratory tackles the everyday challenges leaders face — motivating employees, communicating effectively, navigating conflict, managing change, and leading without burnout.
Built Around What Today's Leaders Actually Need
The 2026–2027 session lineup was developed using feedback gathered from local leaders and survey participants throughout the community.
The most requested leadership development topics included:
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Leadership skills
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Employee motivation & engagement
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Communication & feedback
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Building workplace culture
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Conflict resolution
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Managing change
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Succession planning
Participants also expressed a strong desire for:
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Practical takeaways
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Better communication
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Improved team morale
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Increased productivity
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Peer networking and collaboration
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Long-term mindset shifts
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Workplace culture transformation
The Leader Collaboratory is designed to give leaders practical tools while also creating meaningful connections between professionals throughout our community. It’s not just about individual leadership growth — it’s about strengthening workplaces, teams, and ultimately the broader New Ulm community.
Two Ways to Participate
The Leader Collaboratory is held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month September 2026 – April 2027.
Full Series Participant
The full-series option includes all sessions from September through April, plus additional networking and peer discussion opportunities.
Participants receive:
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Full access to all sessions
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The Leader Collaboratory Workbook
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Expanded discussions and implementation support
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Ongoing peer connection and accountability
Ideal for: Leaders and teams who want lasting growth, stronger alignment, and a meaningful return on investment.
Individual Session Participant
Need support in a specific area?
Join the sessions that match your cuurent challenges and goals.
Participants receive:
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Access to individual sessions (9am-11am)
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Practical tools and real-world leadership strategies
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Flexible, topic-based registration
Ideal for: Leaders who want immediate solutions or are exploring leadership development one step at a time.
The Leader Collaboratory of New Ulm: Session Breakdown
September 16
Cohort 8AM-12PM
Individual 9AM-11AM
The Confident Leader: From Intention to Influence
Topic: Foundational Leadership Skills
Focus: Great leadership starts from within. In this session, participants will build the foundation of confident, intentional leadership by learning to trust themselves, own their value, and lead with clarity. Through guided reflection and practical tools, leaders will identify their strengths, assess their current workplace culture, and uncover the internal barriers that may be holding them back. Walk away with a stronger sense of self, a clearer leadership approach, and the confidence to lead with purpose and influence.
Takeaways: Personal leadership audit, action steps to lead with intention and trust
Outcomes: Improved self-awareness, stronger leadership presence and influence, long-term mindset shift.
October 21
Cohort 8AM-12PM
Individual 9AM-11AM
The Motivation Mindset
Topic: Employee Motivation & Engagement
Focus: Learn what truly motivates today’s workforce and how to use simple, effective strategies to increase engagement. Discover how to connect individual drivers to team goals so employees feel seen, valued, and inspired to bring their best each day.
Takeaways: Personnel evaluation, motivation checklist, engagement conversation starters.
Outcomes: Boosted morale, improved productivity, better team connection.
November 18
Cohort 8AM-12PM
Individual 9AM-11AM
Building Trust Through Communication
Topic: Communication & Feedback
Focus: Build communication habits that foster clarity, trust, and growth. Learn how to give and receive feedback in ways that build connection instead of tension. Discover how intentional communication can boost team morale, reduce misunderstandings, and create a culture where people feel heard and valued.
Takeaways: Feedback script, communication clarity tool.
Outcomes: Better communication, stronger relationships, culture transformation.
December 16
Cohort 8AM-12PM
Individual 9AM-11AM
Lead Forward: Your 2027 Vision + Action Plan
Topic: Vision Setting & Strategic Action
Focus: Step out of the daily grind and into intentional leadership. This interactive session is designed to help you reflect on where you are, clarify where you want to go, and create a focused, actionable plan for the year ahead. Through guided brainstorming and strategic prompts, you’ll define meaningful personal and professional goals—and, more importantly, map out how you will achieve them. Walk away with clarity, direction, and the confidence to lead your next chapter on purpose.
Takeaways: Personal & professional goal map, IMPACT planning tool
Outcomes: clear, aligned vision for the year ahead, confidence in how to lead, stronger follow-through on goals and priorities
January 20
Cohort 8AM-12PM
Individual 9AM-11AM
Build a Culture People Want to Stay In
Topic: Building Team Culture
Focus: Explore the building blocks of a thriving workplace culture. Learn how to lead with values and shape an environment where people feel they belong and want to stay. Discover how small, intentional actions by leaders at every level can create a ripple effect that strengthens connection, trust, and team pride.
Takeaways: Culture audit tool, 4-week action plan.
Outcomes: Improved team morale, culture transformation, better retention.
February 17
Cohort 8AM-12PM
Individual 9AM-11AM
Difficult Conversations Made Doable
Topic: Conflict Resolution
Focus: Gain confidence navigating tough conversations and resolving tensions before they escalate. This session helps leaders approach conflict with curiosity instead of fear, using clear frameworks that promote honesty, respect, and resolution. You’ll learn how to address issues directly—without defensiveness—so your team can move forward with greater trust and collaboration.
Takeaways: Conflict response plan, conversation frameworks.
Outcomes: Healthier communication, reduced tension, stronger team dynamics.
March 17
Cohort 8AM-12PM
Individual 9AM-11AM
Leading Through Change
Topic: Managing Change
Focus: Help teams navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Learn how to communicate change in ways that build buy-in and reduce resistance. You’ll explore the mindset and messaging leaders need to create stability in seasons of transition—and discover how to lead others with calm, clarity, and credibility.
Takeaways: Change assessment, change styles tool.
Outcomes: Increased adaptability, reduced resistance, productive change management.
April 21
Cohort 8AM-12PM
Individual 9AM-11AM
Sustainable Leadership: Leading Without Burning Out
Topic: Leader Effectiveness & Energy Management
Focus: Leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you sustain it. In this session, participants will explore how to lead with consistency, clarity, and energy without sacrificing their well-being. Learn how to recognize early signs of burnout, set boundaries that support both you and your team, and build simple habits that create long-term leadership success. Walk away with a renewed sense of control, focus, and the tools to lead in a way that is both impactful and sustainable.
Takeaways: Personal energy & leadership sustainability audit, boundary-setting framework, leadership habits for consistency and focus.
Outcomes: Increased energy, focus, and leadership clarity, reduced burnout and reactive leadership patterns, stronger ability to lead self while leading others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend the Leader Collaboratory?
The program is designed for managers, supervisors, emerging leaders, business owners, team leads, and professionals looking to strengthen leadership and workplace communication skills.
Can I attend only one session?
Yes. Participants may register for individual sessions or enroll in the full leadership series experience.
Where is the Leader Collaboratory held?
TBD
What topics are covered?
Topics include leadership development, employee motivation, communication, workplace culture, conflict resolution, change management, strategic planning, and burnout prevention.