Managing People: Because They Keep Turning Up

This course teaches managers how to lead actual human beings, rather than the calm, rational professionals described in the employee handbook. Participants will learn how to set clear expectations, delegate effectively and hold productive one-to-one conversations—even when an employee responds to feedback by staring silently through the meeting-room window.

Through practical exercises, awkward role-plays and several deeply revealing discussions about “communication styles,” managers will explore motivation, performance, conflict and team dynamics. They will also learn the important difference between empowering someone and simply giving them all your work while saying, “This is a great development opportunity.”

By the end of the course, participants will be better equipped to give feedback, handle difficult conversations and create a team culture built on trust and accountability. Ideally, they will return to work as thoughtful, confident leaders; realistically, they will return with a colour-coded action plan and discover that Gary has booked another meeting called “Quick Catch-Up.”