Civic Fellows FAQ
Leading for Results
FAQs
Is this program the same as the LGFCU Fellows?
Yes. From 2012–2023, the Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) was the sole sponsor of the Fellows program. For its first decade, Fellows were “LGFCU Fellows.”
In 2025, LGFCU will complete an organizational transition that includes offering services through the Civic Federal Credit Union. In 2023, as part of that transition, the LGFCU Fellows program was renamed the Civic Fellows program. The core program remains the same and will expand in its second decade as the Civic Fellows program.
Who should apply?
Leading for Results is for emerging local government leaders in North Carolina. Strong candidates have several years of experience and have moved beyond technical or administrative roles into management and/or leadership positions that involve more than basic supervision. These individuals can influence organizational strategy and change and are eager to lead and develop others. They are committed to an upward leadership trajectory and have the potential and desire to continue growing as the next generation of local government leaders. If the following statements describe you, you are probably a good candidate for the program.
- I want to gain more leadership skills to improve my team’s or organization’s performance and effectiveness.
- I have moved from technical or administrative work into a leadership role and want to grow my leadership potential/impact.
- I am passionate about public service.
- I am committed to gaining skills to develop others in my organization.
- My organization is invested in my leadership growth and will support my full participation in the two-week Leading for Results program (including covering the travel costs and allowing the time off).
What functional areas of local government does the Civic Fellows program represent?
Fellows come from all functional areas of local government: general management, budget and finance, public safety, social services, public health, utilities, recreation, and so on. If you are a leader within local government, we encourage you to apply.
I have applied before and was not accepted. Should I apply again?
Yes, if you meet the criteria discussed above. Given the competition for limited seats, it is common for participants to receive acceptance after previously applying once or even several times. That said, if you are not in a leadership role, it may make more sense to look at some of the School of Government’s other offerings that may be a better fit.
Should I attend this or another School of Government program?
There is a logical progression to leadership offerings from the Center for Public Leadership and Governance. Fundamental Supervisory Practices (FSP) and Advanced Supervisory Practices (ASP) are ideal for those who have moved from technical or administrative roles into supervisory positions. If you take FSP or ASP, it makes sense to do so before applying to Leading for Results. Municipal and County Administration is also a great introductory course for new managers or managers new to North Carolina.
Leading for Results is meant for emerging leaders and focuses on personal and organizational leadership. Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA) is for seasoned executive leaders in local government and focuses on community leadership. If you’d like to take both courses, you should take Leading for Results before you apply for PELA. They are intended to be taken in progression. Once you complete PELA you may not apply to Leading for Results. For further questions, contact Ricardo S. Morse, director of Leading for Results, or Kimberly L. Nelson, lead faculty for PELA.
What does the Leading for Results program cover?
The Leading for Results curriculum is rooted in The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® model developed by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, authors of The Leadership Challenge and numerous other bestselling leadership books. This model is an evidence-based behavioral approach for achieving transformational results. Participants learn and practice core leadership competencies with a strong grounding in the context of public service.
Specific content and times may vary per cohort. Participants also complete the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI®) 360 assessment before the program and receive one-on-one coaching after sessions.
What does it mean to be a Civic Fellow?
Civic Fellows are high-performing, emerging North Carolina local government leaders interested in further developing their individual and organizational leadership skills. A committee selects each Fellow through a competitive application process. There are typically three or more applicants for every available seat. Being a Fellow means you are in a truly select group. Fellows begin their journey with the intensive two-week Leading for Results program, which includes a 360-degree leadership practices assessment; in-class, experiential learning; extracurricular team-building activities; and professional coaching during and after the program.
Program participants will:
- Receive one-on-one professional coaching.
- Develop critical leadership competencies.
- Gain feedback on how others perceive them as a leader.
- Improve communication skills.
- Learn to build and motivate teams.
- Explore leadership from both personal and organizational perspectives.
- Appreciate the uniqueness and meaning of public service leadership.
What does coaching involve?
Each participant is assigned a professional executive coach. These coaches provide one-on-one coaching sessions focusing on implementing course content. Fellows can use coaches as thinking partners for specific issues or for applying broader course concepts. Coaches answer questions, provide accountability, and guide participants in developing personal action plans.
How much does it cost?
Through the generous support of Civic Federal Credit Union, participants attend Leading for Results tuition-free. Participants’ organizations pay for hotel and travel expenses to attend the program in Chapel Hill.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes. Participants must attend all sessions and events, including some evening events. Full participation ensures that you get the most out of this experience.
Will there be work outside of scheduled class times?
Yes. There will be preparation and reflective work during and before sessions, including time spent with a one-on-one coach.
I am the municipal/county manager. Do I still need to submit a Letter of Support form?
Yes. Every applicant must provide a letter of support. If you are the top manager in your county or municipality, please submit a letter from a board or council member (ideally the mayor or board chair).