I have been reminded that you must lead by example and that leading is not easy.

The myths regarding managers stood out to me. While being a top performer in a role is advantageous to managing individuals in said role, it is important to note that additional skills such as people skills are needed for being a successful manager. It was also very interesting to recognize that only 10% of individuals possess the talent to manage. Connecting, seem to be the overarching theme here. Persons who are able to engage team members, help them gain knowledge and skills and maintain a culture of producing positive outcomes are among this esteemed 10%.

The training will help me to enhance my skills as a leader through practical applications

Appreciative inquiry is a leadership approach that focuses on identifying strengths, successes, and opportunities instead of only concentrating on problems. In the workplace, it helps create a more positive and motivated environment by encouraging people to build on what is already working well.

As a leader, using appreciative inquiry can improve team morale, strengthen relationships, and inspire collaboration. For example, instead of asking “What went wrong?” you might ask, “What helped us succeed, and how can we do more of it?” This approach encourages growth, innovation, and confidence while helping employees feel recognized and valued.

Empathic listening is the ability to fully focus on what someone is saying while also understanding their emotions and perspective, not just their words. It involves paying attention, not interrupting, and showing that you genuinely care about what the other person is experiencing.

As a leader, you can apply empathic listening by giving people your full attention during conversations, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back what you hear (for example, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed by the deadline”). This helps build trust, reduces misunderstandings, and makes team members feel valued and supported, which often leads to better communication and… >>>

People learn in different ways, and a leader who recognizes this can communicate more effectively and get better results from their team. Common learning styles include visual learners (who understand through diagrams, charts, and demonstrations), auditory learners (who prefer listening and discussion), reading/writing learners (who learn best through text and note-taking), and kinesthetic learners (who learn by doing and hands-on practice).

As a leader, you can apply this by varying how you explain tasks and share information. For example, you might use a quick explanation plus a written guide, add visuals for clarity, and give people opportunities to practice or… >>>

As a leader, emotional intelligence means understanding how your words and actions affect the people you guide. It shows up in staying calm under pressure, listening actively, and responding to others with empathy while still making clear, fair decisions.

My leadership style is innovative, strategic, and goal-oriented, focused on building personal relationships that foster trust, collaboration, accountability, and excellence among students and faculty. Through coaching and mentorship, I empower individuals to build confidence, grow professionally, and achieve measurable outcomes while contributing to a supportive, high-performing team culture.

Low program completion rates in education indicate that many students are unable to finish their studies due to academic, financial, or personal challenges. This trend can negatively impact workforce readiness, institutional performance, and long-term economic growth

When transitioning to a manager role - skills don't always transfer over. To perform well you'll need influence besides position.