What Makes a Leadership Preparation Program Exemplary?

Abstract

What makes a leadership preparation program exemplary? All three exemplary programs featured in this special issue evidence strong learning orientations and more sustained improvement work in their pursuit of exemplary preparation. I therefore examine exemplary preparation from a process perspective that emphasizes continuous improvement. To help readers make more meaning of the exemplary preparation programs featured in this special issue as well as to advance the field’s understanding of and ability to support and pursue truly exemplary forms of leadership preparation, I examine key improvement technologies, external resources, and internal capacities of importance to continuous program improvement work.