The Tennessee Executive Leadership Academy (TELA) was created as a succession plan for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). As the current TDOT upper level management team approaches retirement, the need to create a pool of potential candidates to fill these positions was realized.
TELA is a joint five-year program between the University of Tennessee (UT) Institute for Public Service (IPS) and TDOT to train up to 150 middle managers to potentially fill these positions and improve overall TDOT management skills.
TELA is developed for mangers with a basic leadership foundation. While the leadership issues these managers face are important, TELA will provide the needed training to progress to high level TDOT positions. Forums are provided to instruct participants in TDOT specific operations, while the academy training will provide intensive management training. Practical applications are critical and are provided through case studies, simulations, experiential activities, and capstone project. A 360˚ assessment of each individual will provide the needed feedback to help each participant progress in TDOT.
