UALR’s Institute for Economic Advancement (IEA) is launching a new leadership forum beginning Nov 19 that includes a series of workshops that teach mid-level managers and community leaders how to become enthusiastic and empowered leaders in their business and communities.

The first forum, “Agenda for Change Leadership,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at UALR’s Donald W. Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development at 28th Street and University Avenue. The registration fee is $40. Register online, or call 501-569-8519 for additional information.

“The forum is designed for employees who believe they have leadership potential and need additional training,” said Randy Wright, deputy director of IEA.

Topics at the first forum will include dealing with difficult employees (harassment, bullying, and conflict as positive outcomes), adaption of leadership styles (learning which leadership style is best for particular employees), and handling stress.

“Stress can be used to increase production and efficiency,” said John Hendon, management instructor in the UALR College of Business and president of the VMP Group. “The forum will train participants how to recognize when employees are overstressed and strategies to manage the stress.”

Wright and Hendon will be instructors at the forum, along with John Lilly with the Arkansas Management System.