Stepping Into Leadership: Practical Skills for New and Emerging Leaders

Course Description

Are you managing people for the first time — or finding yourself leading others alongside a dozen other responsibilities?

This practical, supportive short course at Harrogate College is designed especially for small businesses, growing organisations, and self-employed professionals who need leadership skills that work in the real world.

Delivered over three focused mornings, followed by a networking lunch, this course gives you the confidence, tools, and insight to lead people effectively while balancing the everyday pressures of work.

What the course covers:-

Day 1 – 31st March 2026 - Myself as a Leader

Build strong foundations by understanding your leadership style and impact.

Leadership vs management: what’s the difference and why it matters

Leadership behaviours that build trust and credibility

Developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence to lead with confidence

Day 2 – 28th April 2026 - Working With People

Learn how to handle the human side of work with clarity and confidence.

Managing difficult conversations constructively

Influencing yourself and others without relying on authority

Understanding team development and your role as a leader

Day 3 – 26th May 2026 - Improving Services and Managing Change

Gain practical tools to lead teams through change and improvement.

Planning effectively in busy, resource-limited environments

Supporting colleagues when change is happening 

Using Transactional Analysis to improve communication and working relationships

 

Who is this course for?

New or aspiring managers

Employees in small businesses covering multiple roles

Business owners and entrepreneurs managing people for the first time

Anyone who wants to lead more effectively, not just manage tasks

 

Why choose this course?

Practical, jargon-free learning you can apply immediately

Delivered in a supportive, interactive environment

 Opportunity to network with other local businesses over lunch

Ideal for busy professionals who want maximum impact in minimal time

Whether you’re leading a small team, growing a business, or stepping into responsibility for the first time, this course will help you lead with confidence, communicate effectively, and improve the way your organisation works.

 

🕘 Format: Three morning sessions + networking lunch 9-12 followed by lunch 12-1pm

Take the next step in your leadership journey — and connect with others doing the same.

 

Benefits of attending

✔ Build confidence in leading people for the first time

✔ Develop practical leadership skills you can use immediately

✔ Handle difficult conversations with greater clarity and confidence

✔ Improve communication and working relationships

✔ Lead teams more effectively through change

✔ Gain insight into your own leadership style and impact

✔ Network with other local business owners and managers