Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

This instructor-led 'Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles' program equips participants with practical tools, frameworks, and mindsets to address complex challenges, mobilize teams, and lead with purpose.

Grounded in Harvard-style adaptive leadership theory and enriched with real-world case studies, self-reflection, and interactive workshops, the program enables leaders at all levels to develop self-awareness, strategic insight, and collaborative problem-solving skills.

Designed for managers, team leaders, emerging leaders, and professionals seeking to enhance their leadership effectiveness, this course strikes a balance between conceptual frameworks and practical applications.

Overview

Duration & Delivery

• Format: Instructor-led training (Online or In-Person)

• Duration: 3 Days

• Includes: Lectures, facilitated discussions, group activities, self-reflection exercises, case studies, course materials

• Instructor: Experienced leadership development facilitator with real-world expertise

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand leadership as an activity distinct from authority or position

• Recognize and diagnose adaptive vs. technical challenges

• Mobilize teams to address complex problems

• Build trust, engage stakeholders, and manage conflict constructively

• Increase self-awareness of leadership style and impact

• Develop personal strategies for exercising leadership responsibly

• Apply foundational leadership frameworks to real-world contexts

Program Features

• Structured, instructor-led delivery with expert facilitation

• Interactive workshops and small-group discussions

• Self-reflection and personal leadership planning

• Case study analysis of real leadership challenges

• Practical frameworks and tools for diagnosing and acting on challenges

• Emphasis on ethical, adaptive, and collaborative leadership

• Delivered by an experienced leadership development practitioner

Detailed Course Schedule

Day 01: Understanding Leadership and Adaptive Challenges

• Defining leadership as an activity, not a role

• Authority vs. leadership: key distinctions

• Technical vs. adaptive challenges

• Case studies: diagnosing complex problems

• Self-reflection: personal leadership goals and context

Outcome: Ability to distinguish types of challenges and understand leadership as a practice.

Day 02: Mobilizing People and Managing Conflict

• Engaging stakeholders and building coalitions

• Creating a holding environment for productive dialogue

• Managing resistance to change

• Navigating conflict constructively

• Group activities: role-play and collaborative problem-solving

Outcome: Skills to mobilize others, build trust, and lead teams through complexity.

Day 03: Personal Leadership Practice and Action Planning

• Identifying personal leadership values and style

• Strategies for acting outside your comfort zone

• Building adaptive capacity in teams and organizations

• Personal leadership commitments and development plan

• Wrap-up discussion, peer feedback, Q&A

Outcome: A clear personal action plan to apply leadership principles in real contexts.

Hands-On Learning Approach

• Interactive lectures and expert facilitation

• Small-group discussions and breakout sessions

• Guided self-reflection and journaling

• Real-world case study analysis

• Group exercises and role-play for experiential learning

• Personalized feedback and coaching throughout

Empower yourself to lead with purpose and impact. Develop the foundational skills to mobilize teams and address real-world challenges.

Prerequisites

• No formal leadership training is required

• Willingness to participate actively and reflect on personal leadership practice

• Managers and team leaders seeking to enhance leadership impact

• High-potential professionals preparing for leadership roles

• Project and program managers

• HR and learning & development professionals

• Entrepreneurs and business owners

• Anyone seeking foundational, practical leadership skills

Who Should Attend?

Certification Readiness

This program provides a strong foundation for further leadership development and can complement advanced leadership training, coaching programs, or formal management education.