Leading from the Middle

Leading from the Middle helps experienced supervisors strengthen their influence and strategic thinking while balancing the needs of both their teams and upper leadership. As one of the advanced courses in our Supervisor Training Academy, it builds on the communication and leadership foundations established in The Holistic Communicator. Participants learn to lead across organizational levels, align people and priorities, navigate competing demands, and advance organizational goals through communication, trust, and collaboration.

Through four in-person sessions and virtual coaching check-ins, you’ll learn practical tools to strengthen your power of influence, manage change across levels, and align your team’s actions with the organization’s purpose, vision, and values. 

Each session is paired with a virtual community of practice for reflection, peer support, and feedback from an experienced coach.

Session 1

  • Understand middle management's critical role, applying the VAE ® framework (Vision, Alignment, Execution) 
  • Navigate the dual role of Middle Leadership, through Polarity Thinking®
  • Explore the main polarities Middle Managers can leverage, practicing Polarity Mapping®

Session 2

  • Understand the power of influence at work and explore influence styles
  • Leverage key stakeholders across the organization with Stakeholders Mapping
  • Manage challenges across levels by applying Creative Problem Solving tools

Session 3

  • Understand the key principles of managing change and transitions 
  • Apply strategies that can offer support and remove barriers for your team
  • Organizational Culture and Climate: identify the differences and explore the role of middle leadership in impacting climate in the organization 

Session 4

  • Program review
  • Planning for implementation
  • Completion ceremony

What You'll Learn:

  • Strengthen your strategic thinking, driving organizational goals and creating alignment across levels
  • Leverage your power of influence to manage challenges and communicate effectively with peers and senior leadership
  • Manage change and transition throughout the organization balancing your team and your organization’s needs 

What You'll Receive:

  • Workbook and key learnings card deck
  • Virtual coaching sessions between each in-person session
  • A digital badge
  • Free convenient parking

Program Information:

  • Four bi-weekly sessions
  • $1595 (discounts are available for non-profits, educators, and BSU alumni; call or email for more information)

Fall 2026 Schedule

  • Session 1: Friday October 2, 2026 (Virtual Community of Practice #1: October 13-14)
  • Session 2: Friday October 16, 2026 (Virtual Community of Practice #2: October 27-28)
  • Session 3: Friday October 30, 2026 (Virtual Community of Practice #3: November 10-11)
  • Session 4: Friday, November 13, 2026 (half day)

Register today!

Unable to make these dates? Fill out our interest form!