Leading Successful Change as a New Middle Leader

 People react differently to change. For some, it’s a source of excitement and possibility; for others, it brings uncertainty or resistance. When you're new to a leadership role - whether as Head of Department or Head of Year- navigating that change can feel particularly challenging. You're not only adjusting to your own new responsibilities, but you're also leading others through change at the same time.

This brand-new course is designed specifically for new middle leaders who want to lead successful change with confidence and clarity. Through a day of practical and reflective sessions, you’ll explore how to set a compelling vision, engage your team, respond to resistance, and build trust in your leadership. With a focus on authentic leadership and actionable strategies, the course will help you shape a positive, purposeful culture, so that your team feels supported, involved, and ready to move forward with you.

• Learn a range of leadership styles and behaviours to help you create impact with every member of your team
• Explore how to engage people’s hearts and minds during times of change to build genuine support and momentum
• Develop the skills to craft an inspiring, ambitious vision—and connect every team member to it in meaningful ways
• Build a culture of shared ownership, where everyone recognises their role in the success of the department or year group
• Spot signs of disengagement early and explore effective strategies to support and re-engage team members

• Explore behaviours of outstanding leaders to develop a toolkit of leadership styles to create impact in different ways
• Identify your unique leadership style and gain confidence to flex it to gain maximum impact with your team

• Setting exciting and challenging departmental visions to engage your tea
• Address resistance and foster collaborative agreement during times of change
• Explore components of visions, align them with department development plans, and integrate individual goals to support collective success

• Implement effective techniques for quietly driving departmental improvement
• Balance managerial responsibilities with leadership roles to facilitate smooth evolution
• Develop skills such as running effective meetings, conducting engaging appraisals, and delivering impactful feedback to ensure sustainable improvement

• Understand the changing needs of your team during times of change and recognise how you can flex your style to give them what they need
• Recognising disengaged or discontent team members and explore strategies to support them

• Balance time effectively as a head of department to incorporate strategic planning
• Navigate between short-term operational needs and long-term strategic goals during periods of change