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When it comes to professional and career development, one of the biggest challenges can simply be finding the time to learn, something especially true as individuals’ careers are on a forward and climbing trajectory. Spare time — if it exists — is at a premium.

But, if an opportunity to learn presents itself, any leader will share that picking up advanced skills is well worth the time and effort. And, when an organization takes it a step further, recognizing the benefits to both the individual and the company, and making time for its employees to take part in organized leadership programs, it’s a win all around. 

Such is the case with Alberta-based Jayman BUILT, a company specializing in construction, real estate, and the financial aspects of home ownership, which has sent several leaders to the  (SLDP) program at the University of Ģ����ý’s .

“As an organization that prioritizes promoting from within, we recognized the need to further develop our leaders,” says Nicole Westman-Jones, executive director, Legacy & Strategy at Jayman BUILT. “When the SLDP was introduced, it aligned naturally with our commitment to leadership growth, making it an ideal fit for our organization.”

SLDP, offered through Haskayne (EPD), allows leaders to refine their business acumen and leadership skills. Through a series of in-person and online sessions, the programs are open to individuals or groups, the path chosen by Jayman BUILT.

Learning to get ‘off the dance floor and onto the balcony’

Over the past few years, Jayman BUILT has sent several leaders to the SLDP, prioritizing learning for those who are transitioning into more senior leadership roles; past participants represent units across the organization, including sales, construction, finance and marketing.

Jordan D’Haese took part in the SLDP in 2024. The vice-president of Jayman Financial was preparing to transition from a management position to his current role when he was selected.

 “Jayman has always supported education and career development, and they offered me the opportunity to take part in the SLDP to help me move to the next stage of my career,” D’Haese says.

D’Haese, who has been with Jayman for his entire 25-year career, knew the course would require a time commitment. But, as someone who completed much of his post-secondary education while working full time, he was aware of what would be required and was ready — both for the work and what he would learn.

“I knew that to advance I would need to be able to see the big picture, but to still be ready to roll up my sleeves and fill other roles as necessary,” he says.

D’Haese adds the SLDP program really helped him with that. “We talked about the concept of ‘getting off the dance floor and onto the balcony,’” he says. “ When you’re on the dance floor, you have to hustle and you're in the mix, and you’re probably missing the bigger picture.

“A leader needs to able to watch the entire floor from the balcony, to see and understand how everyone is functioning in their roles, and to know when to head back down onto the floor and to step in when and where required.” 

Programs benefit individuals and organizations, alike

Westman-Jones says the SLDP helps leaders to think beyond day-to-day operations, developing a broader, more strategic perspective that ultimately strengthens decision-making and organizational effectiveness. And she says the cross-functional mix enriches discussions and strengthens collaboration across departments. 

D’Haese joined seven colleagues in a larger cohort of 28 in the SLDP; the others came from industry, non-profits and the public sector, and ranged from managers to vice-presidents. “We had the opportunity to learn about the pain points of other industries and organizations, and it was especially useful to be able bounce ideas and challenges off the others and share ideas,” D’Haese says.

He adds that he and his Jayman classmates took the course a step further: “We created our own in-house debrief sessions, so, after every online class session, we’d have lunch together and talk about that morning's topic. This really helped to reinforce that day’s learnings.”

D’Haese says he appreciates being able to talk regularly with those individuals within Jayman. “We all know what we're trying to achieve, what's going on,” he says. “I came to appreciate another’s insights when told I am spending too much time on the dance floor.” 

Adds Westman-Jones: “The SLDP is an exceptional program. Our participants have consistently benefited from enhanced leadership capabilities and a stronger ability to think strategically. For any organization looking to invest in developing future leaders, this personalized approach delivers meaningful and lasting value.”