Practical Learning Through T&B’s Leadership Institute

Tighe & Bond’s 2026 Leadership Institute class.
by MB Jarosik,
Communications & Creative Manager
Tighe & Bond’s Leadership Institute is a professional development program designed to build a strong leadership culture by helping employees develop the skills, self-awareness, and tools needed to influence others and reach their full potential. Through guided learning and self-reflection, participants strengthen their leadership abilities, build stronger relationships, and prepare for future leadership opportunities within the firm.
I wanted to participate in the Leadership Institute to build stronger relationships across Tighe & Bond while developing leadership skills that I could apply within my own team. My goals were to connect with colleagues from different disciplines, better understand their perspectives and expertise, and expand my network across the organization. The program also offered an opportunity to learn practical approaches to managing conflict, navigating difficult conversations, and fostering collaboration. Most importantly, I hoped to gain tools and insights that could be brought back to my team to strengthen communication, trust, and engagement.
One of the most valuable lessons from the program was a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence and how it influences communication and collaboration across different DiSC styles. The program highlighted how people have different communication preferences, motivations, and approaches to decision-making. Understanding and adapting to these differences can strengthen relationships, improve collaboration, and lead to more productive team interactions.
Of course, the program wasn’t all classroom learning. Graduation day included a friendly but surprisingly competitive round of Leadership Jeopardy, where my team, the “Jeopardy Geniuses,” proudly earned second place. While we may not have taken home the championship title, we proved that a little teamwork, quick thinking, and healthy competition can be valuable leadership skills, too.