Introduction:

Leadership is a key element in the success of any project. Project managers not only need technical skills but also strong leadership capabilities to effectively guide their teams, manage stakeholders, and drive projects to successful completion. This 5-day course is designed to equip project managers with the essential leadership skills needed to lead high-performing teams, make critical decisions, resolve conflicts, and influence others positively. The course combines practical leadership strategies, tools, and techniques that can be applied in real-world project management scenarios to enhance team productivity, foster collaboration, and ensure successful project outcomes.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Develop key leadership skills such as communication, motivation, and decision-making.
2. Understand how to lead and manage project teams in dynamic and challenging environments.
3. Learn how to build trust and rapport with stakeholders, teams, and clients.
4. Master conflict resolution strategies and manage difficult conversations effectively.
5. Enhance their ability to make strategic decisions and solve problems under pressure.
6. Learn how to inspire and influence teams, driving them towards shared goals.
7. Explore techniques for improving team performance and collaboration.
8. Understand how to adapt leadership styles to different project contexts and team dynamics.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for project managers, aspiring project managers, and professionals in leadership roles who are looking to enhance their leadership capabilities, including:

• Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers
• Program Managers and Team Leaders
• Professionals involved in managing cross-functional teams
• Senior Leaders and Executives overseeing projects and initiatives
• Consultants and Business Analysts involved in project execution

Course Outline:

Day 1: The Role of Leadership in Project Management

• Session 1: Understanding Leadership in Project Management
  • The Difference Between Leadership and Management
  • Key Traits of Effective Project Managers as Leaders
  • The Impact of Leadership on Project Success and Team Dynamics
• Session 2: Leadership Styles and Their Application
  • Different Leadership Styles: Autocratic, Democratic, Laissez-Faire, and Transformational
  • Identifying Your Leadership Style and Strengths
  • How to Adapt Your Leadership Style to Different Situations and Teams
• Session 3: Building Trust and Credibility as a Leader
  • The Role of Trust in Effective Leadership
  • Strategies for Building and Maintaining Trust with Your Team
  • Leading by Example: Demonstrating Integrity and Accountability
• Activity: Self-Assessment – Identifying Your Leadership Style and Areas for Growth

Day 2: Effective Communication and Influencing Skills

• Session 1: Communication Strategies for Leaders
  • The Importance of Clear and Transparent Communication
  • Tailoring Your Communication to Different Audiences: Teams, Stakeholders, Clients
  • Active Listening and Providing Constructive Feedback
• Session 2: Leading Effective Meetings and Presentations
  • Running Productive Meetings: Setting Agendas, Managing Time, and Engaging Participants
  • Presenting Ideas and Updates Confidently and Persuasively
  • Virtual Communication Best Practices for Remote Teams
• Session 3: Influencing and Motivating Others
  • Techniques for Influencing Without Authority
  • Building Buy-in from Stakeholders and Team Members
  • Motivating Your Team: Recognizing Achievements and Overcoming Challenges
• Activity: Role-Playing – Leading a Meeting and Delivering a Presentation

Day 3: Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills

• Session 1: Understanding and Managing Conflict
  • The Nature of Conflict in Project Teams and How to Address It
  • Identifying Sources of Conflict: Miscommunication, Misaligned Expectations, and Personality Clashes
  • The Importance of Early Intervention in Conflict Resolution
• Session 2: Conflict Resolution Strategies
  • Approaches to Conflict Resolution: Collaboration, Compromise, Avoidance, and Competition
  • Techniques for Mediating Conflict and Reaching Consensus
  • Handling Difficult Conversations with Clients, Stakeholders, and Team Members
• Session 3: Negotiation Skills for Project Managers
  • The Basics of Negotiation: Preparation, Strategy, and Tactics
  • Creating Win-Win Solutions in Project Negotiations
  • Managing Negotiations with Clients, Vendors, and Contractors
• Activity: Case Study – Conflict Resolution Simulation in a Project Scenario

Day 4: Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

• Session 1: Decision-Making in Project Management
  • The Decision-Making Process: Identifying Problems, Evaluating Options, and Making Informed Choices
  • Decision-Making Models: Rational, Intuitive, and Creative Approaches
  • Overcoming Biases and Pitfalls in Decision Making
• Session 2: Problem-Solving Techniques for Leaders
  • Tools for Analyzing Problems: Root Cause Analysis, Fishbone Diagram, 5 Whys
  • Developing Solutions and Evaluating Their Impact
  • Using Critical Thinking to Address Complex Problems
• Session 3: Leading Through Uncertainty and Change
  • Navigating Project Uncertainty: Risk Management and Contingency Planning
  • Leading Teams Through Change and Uncertainty
  • Making Tough Decisions Under Pressure
• Activity: Group Exercise – Solving a Real-World Project Problem Using Structured Problem-Solving Tools

Day 5: Building High-Performance Teams and Enhancing Collaboration

• Session 1: Creating and Leading High-Performing Teams
  • Stages of Team Development: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning
  • Building a Cohesive Team: Establishing Trust, Defining Roles, and Aligning Goals
  • Overcoming Challenges in Team Dynamics: Diversity, Communication, and Collaboration Issues
• Session 2: Collaboration and Delegation
  • Encouraging Collaboration Across Functional Areas and Departments
  • Effective Delegation: Empowering Your Team and Developing Leadership in Others
  • Managing Expectations and Accountability within the Team
• Session 3: Performance Management and Team Motivation
  • Setting Clear Expectations and KPIs for Project Success
  • Providing Regular Feedback and Recognition to Team Members
  • Managing Underperformance and Developing Talent
• Activity: Group Activity – Building a High-Performance Team Plan for a Project

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: Focused on developing leadership strategies and techniques that can be immediately applied to project management.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of leadership challenges and solutions in project management.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Exercises to practice leading teams, handling conflicts, and making decisions under pressure.
• Group Discussions: Collaborative discussions that allow participants to share experiences and insights.
• Self-Assessments and Action Plans: Opportunities for participants to reflect on their own leadership style and create action plans for further growth.