Organizational leadership programs give adults tools to succeed: think that leaders are born, not made? Leadership expert Dr. Yael Hellman of Woodbury University says otherwise.

"Organizations need leaders to create a vision and accomplish goals. Leaders aren't a magically 'chosen' group of people or individuals. They are like all of us, but possess a keener understanding of what makes people behave in the ways that they do-both individually and within an organization--and how to effectively influence people to get the desired results," she explains.

The attributes of effective leadership are more than simply being put in charge of a project or promoted to a management role, Dr. Hellman adds. Instead, leadership demands effective communication, good decision-making, managing conflict and change and ethical behavior.

"These are all concepts and skills that people can learn and develop," she says.

Woodbury University is helping adult learners from across Southern California make a difference in their professional and personal lives with bachelors and master's degrees in organizational leadership. The degree programs focus on the development of people and the conceptual skills essential to success at all levels of management, whether it is in the public or private sector.

Sean Carrion, a deputy sheriff and field training officer with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, recently earned his bachelor's in organizational leadership from Woodbury after deciding it was a path to promotion.

"When I began the Woodbury program, I thought I was doing it for career enhancement. The program has enhanced more than my career; it has enhanced my life," Carrion says.

Carrion says his studies gave him a greater ability to analyze issues, recognize trends and create solutions.

"There's really been a shift in my thinking that helps me as a teacher (field training officer) and better relate to adult learners. I can recognize different styles that work with new recruits and I feel like my studies help me in dealing with the public. I can take charge of a situation in a more subtle manner or a more firm manner, depending on what the situation calls for. I think I'm just a more confident person and that makes a difference in my work."

Information for this article was provided by Woodbury University. To find out more about Woodbury's organizational leadership degrees or other bachelor's and master's classes for adults at its Burbank campus, please call 818.767.0888 or toll free at 888.791.0888 or visit www.woodbury.edu.