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Technical Skills for Leadership

In-person leadership training & business simulation

Date
Spring 2024
Location

Smith College, Northampton, MA

Cost
$3,950 USD
Classroom of professionals working together

Are you ready to elevate your managerial skills and excel as a leader? In collaboration with PI Experiential Learning (PIXL), Smith College Executive Education presents an exclusive opportunity: The Technical Skills for Leadership Program. 

This dynamic management training experience leverages a cutting-edge business simulation originally developed at Cornell University. With a comprehensive blend of expert instruction, interactive exercises, and hands-on practice, this program ensures a holistic approach to your development. During the simulation, you’ll collaborate with fellow participants as part of a management team, running your own virtual business. Together, you’ll make critical decisions annually across key areas such as production, marketing, operations, and finance. Competing against other teams in a vibrant marketplace, you’ll have the opportunity to apply the skills you acquire throughout the program, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Experience level
0-5 years in a leadership role
Role

Designed to equip individuals with the essential business acumen, this program is a game-changer for newly-promoted or soon-to-be-promoted managers and leaders. Even if you're transitioning from a contributor to a supervisor role, this program will provide the knowledge and tools you need to thrive. No prior business education? No problem. All are welcome!

Program Contact

Joy McGaugh  |  email: jmcgaugh@smith.edu |  phone: +1-413-585-2798

  • Curriculum

    Unlock your potential and master the following essential competencies:

    Strategy:

    • Analyze markets and develop specific organizational strategies that lead to success.
    • Identify competitor strategies, considering both current market conditions and industry dynamics.
    • Implement strategic decisions effectively to drive business growth.

    Financial and Operations:

    • Use financial statements, including the pro forma income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, to make informed business decisions.
    • Forecast and schedule production efficiently to meet market demand.
    • Adapt pricing strategies to effectively respond to competitive conditions.
    • Comprehend how management decisions influence shareholder return.

    Team Process:

    • Enhance your conflict management skills by recognizing different sources and types of conflict, fostering improved work relationships.
    • Harness the power of group decision-making by facilitating open sharing of opinions and ideas, while mitigating bias and enhancing decision quality.
  • Format

    This program spans 6 transformative weeks:

    • Week 1: You'll engage in 2 days of interactive in-person learning at Smith's campus (Spring 2024)
    • Weeks 2-6: Engagement will continue with weekly 90-minute live online class sessions, supplemented by captivating video instruction and practical written assignments.

    Our flexible format ensures that you can seamlessly integrate this program into your busy schedule while reaping the benefits of a comprehensive learning experience.

  • Faculty

    Headshot of Steve Sauer

    Stephen Sauer is a Senior Lecturer of Management and Organizations at Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business. His research activities focus on issues of leadership, teams, entrepreneurship, and status and diversity in management.

    Stephen's work has been widely published in academic journals and mainstream media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and Forbes.com.

    He is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement and Rev: Ithaca Startup Works and is a member of the teaching team for the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps program. He graduated with a Ph.D. in Management and Organizational Behavior from Cornell University, where he also earned an MBA and a Master’s in Business and Policy Administration.

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