As part of the preparation for the start of the academic year, the Commandant’s office and the Krause Initiative routinely sponsor a leadership seminar for selected rising cadet leaders.  This activity is critical in the individual and group development of these cadets as they prepare to assume leadership responsibility for the Corps and 4th class cadets.  The purpose of the leadership seminar is to prepare principled leaders by providing purpose, direction, and motivation, while working to accomplish a shared purpose and enhance the Corps of Cadets. For the 2007 Leadership Seminar, the cadets selected as Human Affairs Officers and NCOs were integrated into all the seminar activities.

Upon arrival, cadets immediately begin assuming their leadership position and roles.  Morning and afternoon physical training activities focused on teambuilding and confidence-building exercises.  These cadets were expected be in outstanding physical condition in order to set the example for the incoming freshman class and the entire Corps.  Each day of the seminar was organized around a specific theme in a sequential and progressive approach:

 A major portion of the seminar involved working in small groups that changed on a recurring basis.  During group work, cadets rotated within their group, taking different leadership positions, such as facilitator and scribe.  A variety of activities were incorporated into instruction time, capturing many elements of leadership. These activities include a personal leadership assessment, training management practicum, sports competition, point of view exercise, and an interactive session with the Regimental Commander.
 

The seminar was by led LTC Jeffrey Weart and Align Consulting contract team with the help of battalion tactical officers, ROTC Cadre, and college staff.  Lunches featured an inspirational guest speaker that helped tie in the subject and theme for the day.  The seminar utilized guest speakers such as the Commandant, Coach Higgins, and President Rosa.  A leadership panel comprised of Citadel alumni addressed their leadership roles and answered cadet questions. The annual Principled Leaders Dinner was held on Tuesday night at the Holliday Alumni Center with a special guest speaker. Brigadier General Richard M. Lake, Class of 1977, who serves as the Director of Intelligence, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, in Washington, D.C., shared his leadership philosophy.
 

The seminar ended on Friday morning with the cadet leaders ready to begin work with the rest of their cadre members. To conclude the leadership training, cadets made a special trip to Fort Jackson to gain hands-on experience as they prepare for the arrival of the Class of 2011.