The Learning
Model at SLM

Our mission of developing world-class leaders is no doubt ambitious. Therefore, it requires a learning model that not only incorporates the development of all three aspects of one’s psyche – mind, body and spirit – but also considers the research findings that leadership development best happens through practical fieldwork.

Intellectual Development
Through Fieldwork

In developing the intellect, fieldwork starts from the beginning of the master’s program. Students work in teams on a two-year entrepreneurship project. They are required to launch a profit or a not-for-profit initiative and run it as a business. This provides the opportunity for them to apply the leadership and management concepts, frameworks, theories and tools, learned in the classroom, in a real-world setting. This training and development approach based on the fieldwork model provides a nourishing and a challenging learning environment for a leader to emerge in our graduates over the span of two-years. In running a business venture, when students.

1) Solve complex problems
2) Communicate with external stakeholders with varying needs
3) Address interpersonal challenges within their group to work as a cohesive team
4) Manage projects for high performance
5) Make strategic and tactical decisions aligned with the vision of the company
6) Operate their business within an ethical framework

Then as a consequence of natural and organic growth our graduates maximize their leadership potential and become the best version of themselves.

This is how -class leaders are made!

Spiritual Development
Through Divine Connection

The development of the intellect, however, is only part of the equation in leadership training. Spiritual development is also critical to shaping an individual into a leader. Spirituality means searching for meaning and developing a connection with something greater than oneself – the divine reality. It is expressed through religious practices, personal reflection, meditation, and cultivating values and virtues. Spiritual development helps to keep one’s ego in check and pursue a people-centered instead of an egocentric approach in life. It also enables leaders to bring out the best in others through trust, respect, listening, inspiration, sacrifice, and by setting an example. So world-class leaders embrace spiritual growth and unleash the transformative power to lead and uplift others towards greatness.

Physical Development
Through a Rigorous
Exercise Regimen

Whatever the plans for the future one cannot achieve them without physical and mental fitness. Therefore, leaders need to develop an understanding of how to nourish their mind and body with proper diet and exercise lest their leadership effectiveness is cut short by stress related disorders. If your health is gone, your leadership is gone! Keeping this in mind, the physical development program at ISLAM is a required part of the two-year educational experience. It is aimed at challenging individuals not only to develop physical strength, agility and balance but also to promote their emotional and mental well-being for high performance.
This is how -class leaders are made!

In summary, the three elements of our learning model take a holistic approach to leadership development focusing on nourishing the complete individual – encompassing their skills, attitudes, behaviors and overall well-being. This approach aims to develop leaders who are not only effective in their roles but also balanced and fulfilled in their personal and professional lives.