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Leadership, Evolved: Discover McMaster’s Refreshed Core Leadership Capabilities

McMaster university campus building.

McMaster’s refreshed Core Leadership Capabilities reaffirm that leadership is about collaboration, not titles—empowering every employee to grow, connect, and lead with purpose.

Leadership at McMaster isn’t about titles, it’s about how we work together to move forward. And now, the Core Leadership Capabilities have been refreshed to continue to reflect just that.

The capabilities define how McMaster employees work together through observable behaviors, abilities, skills and knowledge. They have also served as the foundation of all levels of the McMaster Leadership Development Programming. 

“As we work together to advance our university as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and inclusion, these refreshed McMaster Leadership Capabilities reflect our shared values and community voices—ensuring our approach continues to be agile, inclusive, and ready for the future,” says Susan Tighe, President and Vice-Chancellor.

The Core Leadership Capabilities have evolved, maintaining core focus but each time incorporating enhancements to areas identified as significant by the community.  

First introduced in 2018, the refreshed leadership capabilities are based on feedback from the community, current leadership trends, and the University’s values. They highlight what the community sees as most important for leaders today — inclusion, digital fluency, a focus on end users, accountability, organizational understanding, and a commitment to learning. 

“These capabilities are more than a framework—they’re a shared promise,” says Wanda McKenna, AVP and CHRO. “They reflect the leader in each of us, no matter our role, and will guide how we support one another, grow together, and deliver on McMaster’s priorities.”  

Tanja Petrovic, Administrative Department Manager in Chemistry and Chemical Biology and current co-chair of the TMG Committee, agrees. 

“As our senior leaders say collaboration is in our DNA. When we align our work with these capabilities, we lead with empathy, strategy, and accountability—and that’s how we build a Brighter World.” 

So, what does this mean for employees? 

  • These capabilities shape how we grow, support each other, and deliver on McMaster’s priorities. 
  • They’ll guide everything from personal development to leadership programs and everyday collaboration. 
  • They’re a tool to help employees grow, as we are all leaders in our own role  

Ready to take the next step? 

Employees are encouraged to talk to their manager, build an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and check out the new development opportunities available — from leadership cohorts to digital fluency workshops. 

Explore more today: McMaster Core Leadership Capabilities.

 Learning & Development