Free Lancaster University courses prepare managers to lead in the new normal

Managers and business leaders can help themselves and their teams better adapt to the changing world of work through two free online programmes from Lancaster University.

The eight-week Leading Well Under Pressure and Managing Teams in Uncertain Times courses tackle issues highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and which will continue to be key under the new normal.

The work-based programmes, starting in October, build on the experienced digital learning delivery of Lancaster University Management School’s Centre for Executive Training and Development (CeTAD), and will help equip managers and senior leaders with the tools and strategies to lead others through change.

They blend independent digital learning with live webinar sessions providing interaction with Lancaster University tutors and the opportunity to interface with other participants facing similar challenges.

Managing Teams in Uncertain Times is for team leaders and managers, and addresses issues faced by many companies, where Covid-19 has shaken the foundation of effective team working with a rapid enforced move to working outside traditional norms.

These changes have impacted team cohesiveness, communication, leadership and purpose. The course provides practical tips for recreating the positives of face-to-face interaction in the remote working environment, based on theory and shared experiences from leaders on CeTAD’s work-based learning programmes, allowing for high level team collaboration and performance in uncertain times.

Leading Well Under Pressure is for managers with strategic and operational responsibilities. It prompts them to be conscious of the effects of the pressures on their own emotional regulation and confidence to make the right decisions under pressure, whilst supporting and motivating their teams. The programme provides tools and strategies to spot the warning signs that generate negative emotion and poor decision-making, and impact workplace relationships.

It introduces theories of emotional regulation, leadership decision-making and strategies for building personal resilience to cope in high pressured times, when you have to react quickly and decisively to unknown events.

“For many leaders, pressures such as those we have experienced during the pandemic produces a positive productive energy to thrive and make creative decisions,” said CeTAD Postgraduate Scheme Director Paulette Swindell. “But it needs to be managed so this pressure does not turn into excessive stress, affecting health and well-being, relationships and effective decision-making.”

Both programmes will run over eight weeks, starting in October, with around two hours of independent study each week and two half-day online seminars. Course numbers are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to meeting entry requirements.

To sign up for Managing Teams in Uncertain Times, click here

To sign up for Leading Well Under Pressure, click here

For more information, call 01524 593318, or visit https://asklums.typeform.com/to/KlafyF