CPM practicum: training non-leaders in self-leadership seen as way to raise morale and initiative

Barbara Escamilla presented a CPM practicum titled "Leadership Without Titles," arguing that investing in self-leadership for employees who do not hold formal supervisory positions can increase intrinsic motivation, organizational citizenship behaviors and self-efficacy. "Most 63% felt self leadership training would make them feel valued, and 75% agreed that all employees should receive training," Escamilla reported, summarizing quantitative survey results from 54 participants who were not in managerial roles.

Escamilla's survey used purposeful sampling of non‑supervisory city employees and included 33 thematic questions plus demographics. Key reported findings: 77% expressed interest in leadership training; 71% agreed such training would improve collaboration and encourage contributions beyond assigned duties; 62% said self-leadership training would boost confidence and initiative even without financial incentives. Escamilla said 61% of respondents felt undervalued compared with employees who hold leadership titles, and most respondents believed leadership training would expand opportunities and workplace equity.

Recommendations included integrating self-leadership into onboarding and delivering annual video modules plus twice-yearly interactive departmental sessions, developing content with HR and internal subject-matter experts, training department managers to reinforce the program, and measuring outcomes with pre/post self-assessments and incorporation into annual evaluations. Escamilla proposed a rollout timeline of roughly 21—25 weeks for content development, train-the-trainer sessions and pilot delivery.