Great performers aren’t automatically great leaders.
This experiential programme helps new managers, emerging leaders and high-potential talent make the shift into confident, high-impact leadership by building the human skills modern leadership depends on - communication, emotional intelligence, trust and influence - while unlearning outdated assumptions about what leadership looks like.
Cost of the Problem
Poor management is expensive. Managers account for at least 70% of the variance in employee engagement, yet many first-time managers receive little formal leadership training. (Gallup)
About the Programme
Who for
Newly promoted managers, emerging leaders and high-potential talent. (For experienced managers & leaders, click here)
Duration
6-week programme, with weekly half-day sessions (in-person or online) and real-world application in-between.
Group size
6-14 people to maximise practice, feedback and real-world application.
Style
Interactive and practical - real workplace scenarios, coaching and feedback for lasting behaviour change, not just awareness.
Outcomes: by the end of the programme, participants will:
Communicate with clarity and reduce misalignment
Handle difficult conversations (including performance management and feedback) with confidence
Lead meetings and discussions that drive better decisions
Build stronger, higher-performing teams
Present with greater authority and impact
Measure impact: we help you track behaviour change, leadership confidence and capability growth through actionable impact reporting.
Design your programme:
Flexible by design. The pathway below is a proven leadership journey: ready to run, or adapted into a bespoke programme for your priorities.
Choose your format. Choose from a 6-week programme, high-impact leadership sprints, or immersive away days.
Shape the content. Swap in or add alternative modules such as Strategic Thinking, Cultural Intelligence or Neuroinclusive Leadership.
Your 6-Week Journey
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![A person with arrows pointing at them, representing UNLRN First-Time Manager training programme - Leadership development - Week 1, Lead Yourself]()
Week 1
Lead Yourself
Build the confidence, self-awareness and communication habits strong managers need to lead people effectively and create high-performing teams.
Toolkit: Pre-programme survey, leadership lens, self-assessment
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![Speech bubbles with angular shape in the middle is surrounded by various tools, representing A person with arrows pointing at them, representing UNLRN First-Time Manager training programme - Leadership development - Week 2, Core Management Skills]()
Week 2
Core Management Skills
Strengthen the everyday leadership skills that drive performance - from coaching and delegation to accountability, clarity and motivation.
Toolkit: Manager essentials checklist
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![Speech bubbles and angular shapes, representing UNLRN First-Time Manager training - Leadership Development - Difficult Conversations]()
Week 3
Difficult Conversations
Handle difficult conversations with confidence, give clear feedback and lead high standards without avoiding tension or accountability.
Toolkit: Feedback playbook
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![Diverse group of people sit around a table at work having a meeting, representing UNLRN First-Time Manager Training - Leadership Development - Communication - Leading High-Impact Meetings]()
Week 4
Leading High-Impact Meetings
Design and lead meetings that create momentum, sharper decisions and accountability - not wasted time or unclear outcomes.
Toolkit: Meeting design essentials
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![Diverse range of hands raised up, representing UNLRN First-Time Manager Training - Leadership Development - Building High-Trust Teams]()
Week 5
Building High-Trust Teams
Lead inclusively to strengthen trust, belonging and psychological safety so people speak up, collaborate effectively and perform their best.
Toolkit: SUPPORT and UNITE frameworks
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Week 6
Presentation and Influence Skills
Communicate ideas with clarity, build credibility and influence decisions with greater confidence, presence and impact.
Toolkit: Presentation checklists
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![A door on a coral background is slightly ajar, representing UNLRN First-Time Manager Training - Leadership Development - Embed and Look Ahead]()
Beyond
Embed and Look Ahead
We will help turn learning into lasting behaviour change through real-world application, habit-building and a practical action plan for the future.
Toolkit: Action plan worksheet, Leadership Impact Report revealing the cohort’s strengths, gaps and opportunities
What People are Saying
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“Should be treated as mandatory for all leaders and aspiring leaders - worth revisiting this training at least twice a year.”
— Gareth Neville, Kepler
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“Not only informative but also incredibly engaging, and I believe it has added significant value to my understanding and practice of leadership."
— Stefanie Seybold, Smart Digital
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“UNLRN is my favorite leadership event - I have taken it twice and I get so much out of it every time! Can't wait to keep learning and growing.”
— Alyssa Daigle, Credera. Read full case study here.