Live Virtual Certificate Course: Five Sessions, Each Two Hours Long
Stepping into a leadership role for the first time can feel overwhelming. How do you motivate a team when you're still finding your footing? What's the right balance between being approachable and maintaining authority? How do you handle difficult conversations with former peers? This course is designed specifically for emerging and aspiring leaders in community-based health and social services who are navigating these challenges.  ​
Through hands-on workshops and real-world scenarios, you'll develop the confidence and practical skills to build trust with your team, communicate with impact, and lead authentic change. Whether you're struggling to delegate effectively, or working to build credibility as a new leader, this program provides the frameworks, tools, and peer support you need to succeed. You'll practice essential skills in a safe environment and develop your own leadership style that aligns with your values and strengths.  
Join a community of emerging leaders like yourself and gain the practical insights you need to inspire, motivate, and drive positive change within your team and organization. ​
Session One: Defining Leadership ​
What makes a great leader? Through candid discussions and hands-on exercises, you'll learn the core principles of effective leadership.  You’ll explore different leadership styles and how to balance being both a team member and team leader. This session provides the clarity and confidence you need to begin your leadership journey. ​
Session Two: Harnessing Emotional Intelligence to Inspire and Motivate ​
Ever wonder why some leaders seem to naturally connect with their teams while others struggle? The secret often lies in emotional intelligence (EI). Discover how EI can elevate your leadership by enhancing empathy, resilience, and self-awareness. Through interactive exercises, you’ll develop practical skills to communicate effectively, strengthen relationships and foster a positive team culture. Learn to lead with confidence and emotional insight as you create an environment where your team feels valued and motivated. ​
Session Three: The Art of Persuasion: Communicating to Inspire ​
Great leaders don’t just manage; they inspire. In this session, you'll uncover the secrets to building trust, conveying your ideas with impact, and motivating your team through the power of effective communication. You'll practice active listening, gain confidence dealing with challenging conversations and learn how to adapt your communication style to resonate with different audiences and situations.
Session Four: Change Management  ​
This session builds your skills to navigate change effectively. You'll explore how change impacts individuals and teams, using proven frameworks like Kotter's 8-Step Process and the ADKAR model to guide your approach. You learn the critical role leaders play in driving change, learn how to address resistance constructively, and craft communication strategies that inspire buy-in and trust. Through real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, you'll gain practical insights into building team resilience and sustaining momentum during times of transition. ​
Session Five: Authentic Leadership - Paving Your Own Path ​
Unlock your potential as a leader by uncovering and refining your unique leadership style. In this dynamic session, you’ll explore your strengths, values, and personal approach, empowering you to lead with authenticity and purpose. Through self-reflection, hands-on activities, and actionable feedback, you’ll build confidence in your abilities and craft a personalized leadership blueprint that aligns with your vision and goals. Whether you're aiming to inspire your team or drive meaningful change, this session equips you to lead with clarity, impact, and purpose. ​
Join the waiting list to be notified when the course is offered again.
We can adapt this course for your staff and deliver it in your organization.  Connect with us to find out more! 
Who Should Attend? ​
This certificate course is designed for individuals at various career stages seeking to develop or enhance foundational leadership abilities. It is designed for people in entry-level leadership roles, aspiring and emerging leaders, and those aiming to prepare for future positions. This may include: 
  • Individuals who have excelled in their current roles and are looking for opportunities to grow. 
  • Individuals identified by their organizations as future leaders (part of succession planning or talent development pipelines). 
  • Individuals who have recently taken on a leadership role. 
  • Aspiring Team Leads or Supervisors.
    • Team members seeking to step into their first leadership or supervisory role. 
    • Employees wishing to transition from individual contributors to people managers.
  • ​Emerging Leaders in Non-Traditional Roles 
  • Informal leaders who influence without formal authority, such as project managers, technical leads, or cross-functional team members. 
  • Specialists looking to develop soft skills to complement their technical expertise. 
 
Key Traits of the Target Audience: 
  • Ambition: They aspire to grow personally and professionally.  
  • Openness to Learning: They seek opportunities for self-improvement.  
  • Collaborative Nature: They value teamwork and relationship-building.  
  • Potential for Influence: They are seen as capable of inspiring and guiding others.  
Your Workshop Facilitator
Leslie Eckel is an internationally recognized healthcare and social services consultant, educator, and published author.  With over 35 years of experience, she has a strong background in coaching, training, and strategic development. Leslie spent over a decade as a Knowledge Exchange Associate at the University of Waterloo, and is currently a Professor of Health Care Administration and Management at Conestoga College, where she designs and delivers essential leadership education to the health and social service leaders of tomorrow. Leslie creates engaging and interactive sessions tailored to meet the unique needs of each audience. Her engaging style fosters open dialogue and equips participants with actionable tools to navigate challenges, foster growth, and inspire success in leadership roles. ​
Important Registration Information ​
The course will be delivered live, via Zoom.  Registrants will receive a link and program materials prior to the first session.  
  • Registration is on a per person basis.  Sharing sign-on links or broadcasting sessions to a group is strictly forbidden.​ ​
Registration Rates: ​
If your organization is a member of one of the following community health organizations, you are eligible for a discounted rate of $699 (that’s a 30% discount).  Not sure if you’re a member?  Please visit the sites below to confirm.   
 
All other organizations: $899 
Your Certificate ​
Participants who successfully complete all course requirements will receive a paper certificate of achievement (suitable for framing) and a digital certificate you can upload directly to your LinkedIn profile. To qualify to receive a certificate of achievement, participants must:  

  1. Attend at least four out of the five sessions. Attendance will be tracked throughout the course.  
  2. Complete 100% of the following assignments (approximately one hour outside of class time will be required to complete all assignments below): 
    1. Two Reflection papers  
    2. Emotional Intelligence self-assessment & Personal Development Plan (PDP) 
    3. Leadership Development Plan: strategies for applying leadership skills in their professional contexts using SMART goal approach 
  3. Participation and Engagement  
    • Active involvement in discussions, group exercises, role playing and case studies to address real-world leadership challenges.  
  4. Contribution to peer learning through collaboration, feedback and sharing experiences.  
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
  • Registrants who need to cancel must do so at least 14 business days before the date of the first session. 
  • Cancellations made at least 14 business days before the first session will receive a 60% refund. Cancellations made less than 14 business days before the first session will not receive a refund. 
  • You may substitute a participant up to one day before the first session, free of charge. 
  • We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise at any time. If you are unable to attend due to an urgent matter, please reach out to us as soon as possible at [email protected] to discuss your options. 
LeaderShift reserves the right to cancel this workshop at any time if the enrollment requirement is not met or due to instructor illness
Have further questions about this course? Contact [email protected]