Leadership Atlanta (Atlanta Leadership Development Foundation, Inc.) is the oldest continuously running training program of its type in the country. It was formed by a group of concerned citizens over three decades ago to address the growing need for a trained cadre of committed young leaders. The Atlanta Chamber of Commerce selected the first class in the summer of 1969 and in the spring of 1970, 46 leaders and future leaders of Atlanta graduated from the nine-month program. Among the class members were a future U.S. Senator, several corporate CEOs, judicial and civil rights leaders, and many committed business leaders and community volunteers.

It is the mission of Leadership Atlanta to build a better community for everyone in the Atlanta region by imparting to our members what makes Atlanta unique and by inspiring them to take on and exercise real leadership committed to serving the common good.

CORE VALUES include -

• Appreciation and respect for the diversity of Atlanta's people.
  Commitment to seeking common ground and pursuing common goals.
  
• Commitment to seeking inclusion of all perspectives in community debate and decision making.
  
• Affirmation that creating and maintaining community is a responsibility of every individual.
  
• Openness and willingness to share, learn and seek solutions.
• Recognition of the mutual interdependence of all communities in the Atlanta region.
  
• Recognition that involvement by and collaboration among the business, government, nonprofit, and religious sectors are essential to the welfare of our community.
  

Over the years, many cities have now set up leadership development programs. Some of the big ones include Leadership New York, Chicago, Grand Rapids, MI., and Vancouver. A lot of businesses and organizations should look to a model like this to foster real world leadership skills (especially problem solving) and build collaborative relationships among teams.