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 Level 3 in our Supervisor Training Academy, it builds on the communication skills from Level 1: The Holistic Communicator, as well as on the leadership skills developed in Level 2: Coaching for the Modern Manager, learning to lead across levels, drive organizational goals, and create alignment through communication and trust.

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)
  • Can't attend the next session? fill out our interest form!

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!