Essential Skills for Managers

Will Ferry

Kwela Leadership & Talent Management

Will has over 14 years of experience in industry, having moved deftly from technical engineering roles to managing large teams in leadership roles. He excels in the areas of coaching and training, and his background in aerospace and robotics lends to his proven problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Will created and taught a graduate course at McGill University as an adjunct professor; this solidified his love for teaching and leadership development. He expertly helps leaders to foster collaboration and optimize performance, while driving results with practical solutions and top-notch communication skills.

Will has a bachelor’s degree in applied science from Queen’s University, a master’s from the University of Windsor, and a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia. He is a licensed professional engineer with  Engineers and Geoscientists of BC.

Will is a native Vancouverite, having grown up in the Deep Cove area, where he now lives with his two children. In his free time, you can find Will on the squash courts, lifting weights and coaching soccer. He is also a car nut whose most recent project was an engine swap for a Toyota MR2.

How many new managers are simply ‘given the keys’ and sent on their way without ever having the role fully explained in terms of what is expected of them as a leader? Unsure of what to do, the new manager may simply do what is familiar and comes naturally, with varying results. Furthermore, behaviours practiced in the early stages of a management career can become more ingrained over time, and any associated bad habits can become harder to kick.

This workshop is designed for new managers and existing managers who have not had sufficient exposure to formal training. It covers all the areas that new leaders typically need to focus on and is packed with practical examples and tools, which are practised extensively in the webinar.

Results Participants Can Expect

• More rapid transitions from employee to manager
• Improved development of employee skills, performance, and morale
• Improved ability to hold critical conversations and resolve workplace conflict
• Greater ability to think strategically about the future
• Improved ability to effectively communicate ideas to others
• More effective use of time as a manager

Key Focus Areas

Day 1: Communication, Conflict and Developing People

• Navigating the transition from individual contributor to manager
• Motivating employees
• Active listening
• Conflict resolution
• Goal setting
• Giving corrective feedback
• Giving recognition
• Delegation using the right style to suit the situation

How to problem-solve with employees by acting as a coach

Day 2: Strategy, Influence, and Being Organized

• Environmental scan and strategic analysis
• Overcoming resistance to change
• Adapting to social styles
• Stakeholder analysis
• Appealing to logic and emotion
• Presenting powerful arguments that change minds
• Time management

Target Audience

New managers, or existing managers with little formal training in leadership.