Middle Leadership Mastery

Aim: positioning identity and analysing roles and responsibilities as leaders.

Indicative content:

In this module, participants will explore the professional standards for leadership and their roles as leaders and managers within the FE and Skills sector. They’ll examine the skills and qualities of effective leaders and delve into various leadership styles, including situational, democratic, and empathetic approaches, considering the impact on wellbeing.

Key learning objectives:

• understand the roles, responsibilities, and professional standards as a leader in FE and Skills
• analyse the differences and similarities between leadership and management
• learn about leadership styles and their impact on practice
• reflect on personal leadership style and how to adapt it effectively.

Aim: exploring leadership values, team culture, and management to enhance team performance.

Indicative content:

This module focuses on leadership values and models, providing alternative perspectives on leadership through tools like 360-degree feedback and the Johari Window. Participants will enhance their effective communication skills, learn strategies for developing a positive team culture, and receive an introduction to the concept of leaders as coaches.

Key learning objectives:

• investigate leadership values and models of leadership
• analyse the views of others and the development of team culture
• explore effective leadership tools such as communication and coaching.

Aim: understanding the impact of team leadership on the organisation and stakeholders through strategic thinking.

Indicative content:

Participants will learn how to align their team’s efforts with the organisation’s vision and mission. The module covers the impacts of external factors such as funding, devolution, technology, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Labour Market Information (LMI), and political drivers. It also delves into partnership working and stakeholder analysis to enhance strategic leadership.

Key learning objectives:

• discuss the utilisation of vision and mission linked to strategy
• analyse factors with strategic implications like funding, policy, and market information
• investigate stakeholders and partnership working.

Aim: reflecting on strengths and areas for development, applying strategies to enhance team dynamics and performance.

Indicative content:

This module encourages self-reflection on leadership strengths and development areas. Participants will examine assessment and quality within teams, explore self-leadership and personal productivity techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix, and learn about leading with emotional intelligence and building resilience. Strategies for improving team dynamics, effective delegation, and accountability are also covered.

Key learning objectives:

• examine sources of data impacting team performance concerning assessment and quality
• consider strategies for self-leadership, resilience, and time management
• review leading with emotional intelligence and the use of delegation and accountability within teams.

Aim: managing individuals and teams for success, improvement, and innovation.

Indicative content:

In this module, leaders will learn how to support the development of individuals through processes like staff induction, annual reviews, and observing teaching. They’ll develop strategies for handling difficult conversations using assertive approaches, engaging in professional discussions, and providing constructive criticism. The module also emphasises giving feedback and building a positive feedback culture, revisiting coaching conversations to promote continuous improvement.

Key learning objectives:

• evaluate approaches to support the development of others
• develop leadership strategies for managing difficult conversations and coaching
• identify approaches for creating positive and constructive feedback cultures.

Aim: developing self and others within an inclusive environment.

Indicative content:

The final module focuses on fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) and enhancing cultural competence within organisations. Participants will explore ways to develop internal networks and mentoring opportunities to nurture staff. The module concludes with reflection on career frameworks and the leadership journey, looking back on learning and planning for future growth.

Key learning objectives:

• explore cultural competence, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging within organisations
• identify approaches for developing internal networks and mentoring
• reflect on career frameworks and your leadership journey throughout the programme.