The Ultimate Leadership Development Program
This comprehensive and innovative Leadership Development program is geared to creating a culture of leadership throughout the organization. The program is designed in 12 stand alone modules which are each 4 hours in length and are delivered at a rate of one module per month. The modules are highly interactive and as such we recommend keeping the class size to a maximum of 12 to 15 people.
Each module includes a combination of the following:
- Self assessments
- Best Practices
- Theories and Methodologies
- Tips and recommendations
- Individual and group exercises
- Case studies
- Recommended reading material
- Action plans for implementation of learned material
We begin each session with each participant completing a self assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses in that particular element of leadership (module). The sessions are informal and participants are encouraged to ask questions and give opinions and real life examples of situations. In fact, we try to use as many real life case studies from the host organization as we can, so as to enable the participant to instantly understand how the material can be used in their own environment. Each session contains group exercises and activities that are both fun and great learning opportunities. We sometimes assign tasks to be completed prior to the next training session (fun tasks) in order to keep the information top of mind. We close each sesssion with each participant developing an action plan specific to their needs as identified in the assessment tool. Each action plan will contain a minimum of 3 goals to attain prior to the next session. The key to the success of our training is immediate and repeated use of the new material. Our training does more than give information…it creates new habits.
As adults tend to learn and perform better when they are engaged, involved and enjoying themselves, we always include a healthy dose of fun and hands on activity into all of our training modules. It is very common to hear laughter, cheering and sometimes even rousing applause coming from the training room. Our trainers are masters at making learning fun while staying on task.
The best part is that you don’t have to wait until the end of the program to reap the benefits. They start after the very first session and increase exponentially on a monthly basis. By the end of the year long development program, the organization will have experienced a paradigm shift in attitudes, productivity and employee engagement.
The end result is a high performance culture of leadership, innovation and accountability that is sustained internally and perpetually at every level of the organization.
The 12 modules encompass the 12 essential skills that leaders must possess to be effective. Keeping the course to one module per month allows the participants to internalize each essential skill and maximum both the retention and implementation of learned material, providing maximum benefit for the participants and their organizations.
The 12 modules are:
1. Personal Leadership
You can’t expect to lead others if you cannot lead yourself. The do as I say, not as I do method of Leadership just doesn’t cut it anymore. In fact, in never did. This module puts a microscope on the intrinsic aspects of leadership and clearly differentiates the role of manager from the role of leader.
2. Performance Management
This is where the rubber hits the road. Effectively managing performance in a way that builds morale instead of damaging it is essential to the credibility and success of the leader/manager. This module breaks down performance management into easy to digest bite sized pieces and provides a step by step process that allows the manager to proactively and effectively manage the performance of their team members.
3. Motivation
Of all the functions of leadership, motivating people is arguably the most complex. This is due to the intrinsic nature of motivation and the fact that there is no “one size fits all” solution. This module outlines several well established motivational theories and methodologies while introducing some very innovative and cutting edge techniques that allow the leader to gain insight into what motivates each of their team members.
4. Making Decisions
There is no quicker way to lose respect as a leader than to be seen as indecisive. Good decision making is an essential skill for an effective leader. The techniques in this module will allow the leader/manager to make the best decisions possible with whatever information is available. It will help map out the likely consequences of decisions, work out the importance of the individual factors and choose the best course of action to take. More importantly, it will provide the confidence necessary to actually make the decision and be held accountable for it.
5. The Art of Influence
The ability to influence is a trait which, like other leadership traits, can be developed and used in all areas of one’s life. This module outlines how this skill is developed and sustained by focusing on the intrinsic aspects of influence and creating win/win solutions for all involved instead of underhanded tricks and negotiation techniques designed to deceive and manipulate.
6. Managing Time
The way in which one manages ones time can be the difference between an effective leader/manager and an average leader/manager. Time is not a renewable resource, once a minute is gone it is gone forever and no amount of money can get it back. This module illustrates easy to use techniques and methodologies to maximize and use time more effectively.
7. Communicating Effectively
Communicating effectively is essential to the success of any leader/manager because there is never a time when we are not communicating in some way, shape or form. Yet, no matter what organization or industry, in every employee opinion survey, lack of communication is always listed among the top employee complaints. To take it a step further, many of the problems that occur in an organization or department are a direct result of faulty communication. This module sheds light on the communication process and flow while pointing out some of the potential pitfalls of everyday communication.
8. Managing Conflict
Notice that this module is not called eliminated conflict, the reason for that is because conflict is a very important part of running a successful business, department, team etc. Conflict can and will result in better solutions if managed appropriately and in a timely manner. This module shows how to encourage conflict based on mutual respect for the betterment of the whole while reducing and/or eliminated the destructive conflicts that can potentially damage the whole.
9. Team Building
A great team can work miracles and is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Having said that, it is important to note that building a strong team takes a lot of time and a lot of effort. This module addresses all the key points necessary to build a cohesive and productive team in the shortest time possible using a combination of all 12 key leadership skills.
10. Managing Stress
Much like conflict, you don’t want to completely eliminate stress. there is bad stress and good stress. The key, as identified in this module, is being aware of how to differentiate between the two different types of stress while understanding how much good stress can be applied before there is a danger of a structural failure and breakdown. After all, even too much of a good thing can eventually hurt you.
11. Coaching
Coaching is the art and science of inspiring, energizing, and facilitating the performance, learning and development of an individual or group. No matter how accomplished we think we are, we could all benefit from a good coach. The Coaching Module illustrates how to use this powerful skill, through daily interaction and guidance, to encouraging leaders to allow people to make thier own decisions, mistakes and learn their own lessons. Coaching is a must have, in the toolkit of any leader/manager. It is the only way true learning can be achieved. Leaders encourage and empower their people to discover how to do things better as opposed to telling them how to do things better.
12. Leading Change
Resistance to change is normal. In fact, it should be expected and welcomed. Human being are creatures of habit and like everything else building tolerance and expectancy of change takes time. The Leading Change module outlines ways in which to slowly and gradually build your teams tolerance to change by continual implementation of change. If you want to build a muscle you have to work it regularly, building tolerance to change is no different, this module shows exactly how to do just that.
Built-in Flexibility
For best results, we recommend that the “High Level Leadership” program be implemented and delivered sequentially in its entirety, but as each module was designed as a stand alone topic and skill set, each module can be delivered individually or in combination with any of the other modules. The ultimate decision as to whether the program is delivered in whole or in part would depend on your organizational needs and required outcomes.
For more information or to arrange a meeting to discuss what the “High Level Leadership” program would add to your organization, simply email info@curasolutions.ca or call 694-802-4490.
