Developing leadership to drive team success and organizational change
Laura Ling, Finance & Accounting senior associate controller, discusses her goal to guide teams successfully, as well as the importance of self-reflection in both professional and personal development through the Advanced Leadership for Academics and Professionals, or ALAP, program.
Read on to discover how the ALAP program influenced Ling’s professional journey.
Tell us about your professional journey and how you came to be in your current position at the University of Florida.
I’ve been with the university for just over 20 years, working in a variety of departments, including the UF Performing Arts, Finance and Accounting, and Internal Audit. I’m currently working on the Empowering UF project as the finance workstream lead. Before joining UF, I worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers as an audit manager.
What motivated you to participate in the ALAP program?
Before ALAP, I had limited leadership experience. We’ve all encountered great leaders, and I saw firsthand the impact strong leadership can have on a workplace. I wanted to learn more about how to effectively lead a team, not just supervise people’s work.
What impact has the ALAP program had on you professionally and, if applicable, personally?
Participating in the ALAP program gave me the confidence and resources to accept a new role with significant leadership responsibilities. It was a big step for me and was really tough at times, but I learned a lot. One of the hardest parts of taking on a challenge like that is having the confidence to try, and ALAP made me feel a lot more confident in my abilities and made the goal feel more achievable.
Are there specific resources or connections you made during the program that you found most valuable and why?
The course content was valuable — no doubt — but I probably learned more from my cohort than I did from the course itself. When I think back on the time I spent in ALAP, I remember specific comments colleagues made or conversations that we had far more than I remember the course material itself. I was really impressed — and a bit humbled — by how professional and insightful they were.
How have you applied what you learned in this program in your role as a leader?
I have applied a lot of what I learned, although the piece that I reflect upon the most is alignment. I really struggled with this concept during class. I didn’t quite understand what it meant and why it was important. Later, I came across a situation where a lack of alignment was causing distractions, inefficiencies and a lack of motivation to move toward the goal. Then it sank in. Good alignment is a bit like having a herd of cats moving in lock-step formation toward a shared goal. Bad alignment is similar to releasing a herd of cats into an open field.
What would you tell a colleague who is considering applying to this program?
Be open to self-reflection. If you’re not willing to stay humble and open-minded, then it’s probably not the best use of your time. But if you’re willing to dig deep, you will grow a lot. Your future self — and your future teams — will thank you!
Applications for the Advanced Leadership for Academics and Professionals program are being accepted now through May 2. Visit the ALAP website to learn more and apply.