The Leadership Challenge

WHEN

February 9 - 10, 2026

WHERE

APAAC Training Room

3838 North Central Avenue, Suite 850

Phoenix, AZ 85012

WHO

Both prosecutors and non-attorney staff in

APAAC Member Offices

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

APAAC is honored to bring The Leadership Challenge back to Arizona. The Leadership Challenge is one of the most recognized leadership development programs in corporate America and across the world. It has been developed through over 30 years of research identifying what leaders do and what inspires people to follow them.  The APAAC program has been specifically designed to apply The Leadership Challenge principles to prosecution offices.

This program will be offered for in-person attendance only; no virtual attendance option will be available. Attendees must commit to the full two-day program, as each section builds on itself. The training is intended for anyone holding a leadership position – both prosecutors and non-attorney staff – regardless of job title. Below is information about the training curriculum, in addition to the required commitment: 

The Workshop

• The program is centered around a 360° pre-course work assessment. You, your colleagues, direct reports, and others you identify, evaluate your leadership behaviors prior to attending the workshop. The results of the 360° evaluation are used as the cornerstone for your leadership development.

• The Leadership Challenge two-day workshop allows you to assess your perceived activities and actions as compared to the practices of exemplary leadership. Through case studies, activities, and personal reflection, participants identify and commit to more effective leadership practices.

• During this workshop, experiential activities will teach you to utilize The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership to develop the capabilities of your team members, identify options to better equip your colleagues to achieve better results, and the ability to craft individualized leadership development plans.

Commitment

• On December 10, 2025, you will receive instructions regarding pre-course work you need to complete. Those items are detailed below with estimated time requirements.  These items must be completed by January 16, 2026. If the items are not fully completed by that date, you will be withdrawn from the program.

• Once you begin the pre-course work, APAAC will be responsible for payment of the assessment, regardless of your completion or attendance. After the pre-course work has begun, it is not possible to switch one participant for another. Please do not begin the pre-course work if you are not able to complete it by January 16, 2026.

• You must commit to attending the entire program, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., February 9-10, 2026.

Pre-Course Work

This evaluation is an assessment of your actions and behaviors as they relate to leadership characteristics and practices. In addition to completing the pre-course self-assessment, you will identify at least 10 to 15 people: your managers/supervisors, any people who directly report to you, coworkers and colleagues, judges, etc. You may also go outside your work contacts to community organizations, nonprofits, church or volunteer work. The more people you identify the better. 

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Pre-Course Work Checklist

1. Identify at least 10 to 15 observers. We encourage you to identify more. The more data you have, the better your experience will be. You will want to begin this process immediately upon receiving your instructional email. That email will be sent approximately 4 weeks before the workshop. 
2. Complete 360° self-evaluation. (15 minutes)
3. Rank the Characteristics of an Admired Leader. (5 minutes)
4. Identify your Best Leadership Experience. (5 minutes)
5. Identify a current leadership challenge in your work or life. (5 minutes )

Interested in being part of The Leadership Challenge? Then complete the application by December 5, 2025. You will be notified by December 8, 2025, whether or not you are accepted into the program. There is no charge for attendees from APAAC Member Offices and APAAC will cover the travel expenses for those from Member Offices outside of Maricopa County.

Lunch will be provided by APAAC.

Hotel rooms will be provided to attendees traveling from outside of Maricopa County who request a room when applying. Attendees traveling from outside of Maricopa County are eligible for reimbursement of meals not provided by APAAC at State Government per diem rates and mileage at 67 cents per mile.