State of Minnesota Emerging Leaders Institute
Application Letter of Supervisory/Managerial Support
and
Letter of Recommendation
Background
The State of Minnesota Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) is designed to identify future state
leaders and to provide them with a learning experience that will prepare them for future
leadership roles. Your support and that of your organization are critical to the success of the
program.
Accepted applicants will be required to attend sessions on the following dates:
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
Thursday sessions are scheduled from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. and Friday sessions will be held from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition, each participant will be required to allocate up to two hours
each week between sessions on homework and/or other projects as assigned. The cost of the
Institute is $3,100.00 per individual.
Recommendation Process:
1. Required letters. Each application must include two (2) letters of recommendation.
Both letters must accompany the application.
a. Letter of Supervisory/Managerial Support.
This letter should be from the employee’s direct supervisor or manager. It must be
written on department or division letterhead and be signed by the supervisor or
manager (signature may be scanned in if electronically submitted). The letter
should reference the name of the applicant and verify the supervisor/manager’s
willingness to support that person by allowing him or her to attend all sessions
and spend time necessary between sessions to complete all assignments, as well
as a description of why the supervisor/manager recommends the employee for the
Institute.
b. Letter of Recommendation.
The second letter should reference the name of the applicant, the name and
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contact information of the writer, the writer’s relationship to the applicant, and
should provide specific reasons and examples of why this applicant is a good
candidate for the Institute. Again, this letter must be signed by the writer
(signature scanned if electronically submitted).
Only these two letters and the application will be considered. Do not send
additional letters or materials.
2. Recommendation letter content.
a. The Emerging Leaders Institute is seeking applicants who demonstrate the belowlisted characteristics. Please describe how the applicant exhibits these
characteristics at work.
 Is highly motivated and enthusiastic
 Enjoys working collaboratively
 Is willing to receive feedback
 Seeks continuous personal and professional growth
 Values diversity and diverse perspectives
 Is a valued contributor and strong performer in his or her current position
 Has an enthusiastic interest in developing leadership skills and a
professional network
 Agrees to be actively engaged and to fully participate in all activities,
discussions, and simulations
 Demonstrates a strong commitment to utilize knowledge gained in service
to the State of Minnesota, both now and in the future
b. Both letters should describe why this person is being recommended for the State
of Minnesota Emerging Leaders Institute. In other words, how will the applicant,
the State of Minnesota, the division, and/or the work unit benefit if this individual
participates?
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