5 questions on the GateHouse Leadership Series LEDE Program

You should apply for LEDE - Leadership. Enterprise. Development. Education - if you are a top editor at an under-10k daily or weekly group or are a key section editor at a larger daily and want to advance in management at GateHouse. In the first LEDE class last year, we had exactly this mix. LEDE will provide you not only strong management training but the opportunity to network with editors throughout the company.

Between the two onsite training visits to News & Interactive offices in Downers Grove, Ill., LEDE members will spend several weeks getting to know the operations in their own buildings a little better. Experience and research may include spending an afternoon with a ad salesperson and getting an inside look at the budgeting process. Last year's LEDE members found this program a great experience.

The days are packed. They typically begin with a shuttle ride from a nearby hotel to N&I offices at 8 a.m., and we launch right in, reviewing the day's agenda and beginning a schedule of up to six different sessions in a day. The trainers and LEDE members all have dinner together at the end of the day - an experience that lets the LEDE members bond and the trainers get to know them a little better.

Michael Roberts, former deputy managing editor for staff development at the Arizona Republic, has agreed to be the primary LEDE trainer this year. Michael is known throughout the industry for his insightful and effective training programs. He is working with News & Interactive manager of newsroom development Chris Biondi to build on the success of last year's program, honing some sessions and adding some new ones.

The application can be downloaded here. Included is an FAQ and detailed instructions on filling out the application. The deadline is March 1. If you have any questions about the program, please contact manager of newsroom development Chris Biondi.