Course Overview:
This 5-day course is designed to equip new managers and supervisors with the essential leadership and management skills required to effectively lead teams, improve performance, and drive success within their organizations. The course covers key aspects of leadership, including communication, team building, conflict resolution, and performance management. Through a combination of practical exercises, role-playing, and real-world case studies, participants will gain the confidence and capabilities to transition into their leadership roles with a solid foundation in both managerial and interpersonal skills.
Course Duration:
5 Days (8 hours per day)
Course Format:
- Interactive lectures and discussions on leadership and management principles
- Group activities and case studies to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios
- Role-playing exercises to develop communication, conflict resolution, and team-building skills
- Self-reflection exercises to help participants assess their leadership strengths and areas for growth
- Quizzes, assignments, and a final project to assess learning and progress
Detailed Course Breakdown
Day 1: Introduction to Leadership and Management
Objectives:
- Understand the difference between leadership and management.
- Recognize the key responsibilities of new managers and supervisors.
- Develop an awareness of the skills required for effective leadership and management.
Content:
- The key differences between leadership and management.
- The roles and responsibilities of a manager versus a leader.
- Key management skills: Planning, organizing, and controlling.
- The qualities of effective leaders: Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and vision.
- Introduction to leadership styles and when to use them.
Activities:
- Icebreaker activity: “What type of leader are you?”
- Group discussion: Key challenges faced by new managers.
- Self-assessment: Identifying your leadership style and areas for growth.
Assessment:
- Leadership style self-assessment quiz.
- Group discussion reflection on leadership challenges.
Day 2: Communication Skills for Leaders
Objectives:
- Learn how to communicate effectively as a leader.
- Understand the importance of clear, transparent, and empathetic communication.
- Develop active listening skills and learn how to give constructive feedback.
Content:
- The importance of communication in leadership.
- Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques for effective leadership.
- Active listening: Techniques and benefits.
- How to deliver constructive feedback.
- Tailoring communication to different audiences (team members, executives, etc.).
Activities:
- Role-play: Giving and receiving feedback in various scenarios.
- Active listening exercise: Partners practice listening and summarizing information.
- Group discussion: Common communication barriers and solutions.
Assessment:
- Communication effectiveness quiz.
- Self-reflection on communication styles and feedback.
Day 3: Building and Leading Effective Teams
Objectives:
- Learn how to build and develop high-performing teams.
- Understand the stages of team development.
- Develop strategies for motivating and engaging team members.
Content:
- The stages of team development: Forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.
- Identifying and leveraging team strengths.
- Motivating team members: Understanding intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
- Building trust and collaboration within teams.
- Conflict management in teams.
Activities:
- Team-building exercise: Solving problems together as a team.
- Case study: Analyzing the dynamics of a successful team.
- Group activity: Creating a plan for improving team motivation and performance.
Assessment:
- Team-building exercise feedback and reflection.
- Group presentation on team motivation strategies.
Day 4: Managing Performance and Setting Expectations
Objectives:
- Learn how to set clear performance expectations.
- Understand how to track and measure performance effectively.
- Develop strategies for managing underperforming employees.
Content:
- The importance of setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Performance appraisals: How to conduct fair and effective performance reviews.
- Managing underperforming employees: Strategies for addressing performance issues.
- The role of regular feedback and coaching in employee development.
Activities:
- Workshop: Setting SMART goals for team members.
- Role-play: Conducting a performance review and providing constructive feedback.
- Group discussion: Best practices for addressing underperformance.
Assessment:
- Role-play assessment: Conducting performance reviews.
- Assignment: Create a performance improvement plan for an underperforming employee.
Day 5: Leading Through Change and Developing Personal Leadership Skills
Objectives:
- Understand the role of a manager in leading teams through organizational change.
- Develop strategies for managing resistance to change.
- Create a personal leadership development plan.
Content:
- Leading through change: The role of managers in organizational change.
- Overcoming resistance to change: Strategies for engaging team members.
- Creating a positive work culture during periods of change.
- The importance of continuous learning and personal leadership development.
Activities:
- Case study: Leading teams through a change process.
- Group discussion: Overcoming resistance to change.
- Personal leadership development planning: Identifying key skills to develop for future success.
Assessment:
- Final Leadership Development Plan presentation.
- Group discussion on leading through change.
Evaluation Methods:
- Daily Quizzes: Short quizzes to assess understanding of the day’s concepts and application.
- Assignments: Practical exercises on setting goals, managing performance, and providing feedback.
- Role-Playing Exercises: To assess communication, feedback, and conflict resolution skills.
- Final Project: A leadership development plan that incorporates the concepts learned over the 5 days.
- Peer Reviews: Peer feedback on leadership exercises and group activities.
Required Materials:
- Textbook: The New Manager’s Handbook (or similar management/leadership resource).
- Handouts and Worksheets: Daily leadership skill exercises and templates for goal setting, feedback, etc.
- Leadership Journal: For daily reflections and tracking progress.
Optional Resources:
- Leadership Podcasts/Books: Recommended podcasts and books on leadership development (e.g., Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek).
- Webinars/Online Resources: Access to videos and webinars on leadership and management.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the 5-day course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the key differences between leadership and management and the roles of a new manager.
- Communicate effectively with team members, provide constructive feedback, and listen actively.
- Build and lead high-performing teams by leveraging team strengths and motivating individuals.
- Set clear expectations, conduct performance appraisals, and address underperformance.
- Lead teams through change and foster a positive work environment during transitions.
- Develop a personal leadership development plan to continue growing as a manager and leader.
This course is ideal for new managers, supervisors, and emerging leaders who want to gain the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in their leadership roles and drive team success.