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Preparing for Leadership: What It Takes to Lead

This leadership training course is uniquely designed to help leaders-to-be get ready for their new challenges and responsibilities. You'll discover the heart, soul and mind of true leadership. Through role-playing, self-assessment tests and other leadership training scenarios, you'll explore leadership roles as strategist, change agent, coach, manager, communicator, mentor and team member. And you'll learn how to develop your unique leadership style for maximum impact.  

Seminar Number: 02536

4.8
(756 reviews)
  • In-Person
  • Live Online
  • At Your Company Location

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About This Course

Being good at your job doesn't automatically make for good leadership preparation. If you’re wondering what to expect from a leadership course, it starts with learning to delegate instead of always doing it yourself, as well as developing others and thinking beyond your own function. AMA leadership training helps high-potential professionals build self-awareness, influence key stakeholders and motivate the people who report to you. This Preparing for Leadership course focuses on practical skills like communication and strategic thinking, the things that separate good leaders from people who were just good at their last job.

Read the FAQs

Who Should Attend

Any manager who needs leadership training to step into a leadership role or who is about to take on a new leadership assignment

  •   In-Person2 Day(s)
    12 CAE, 1.2 CEU, 12 CLP, 14 CPE, 12 PDCs, 12 PDU, 12 PMU
  •   Live Online2 Day(s)
    12 CAE, 1.2 CEU, 12 CLP, 14 CPE, 12 PDCs, 12 PDU, 12 PMU
 
 

This leadership training course is uniquely designed to help leaders-to-be get ready for their new challenges and responsibilities. You'll discover the heart, soul and mind of true leadership. Through role-playing, self-assessment tests and other leadership training scenarios, you'll explore leadership roles as strategist, change agent, coach, manager, communicator, mentor and team member. And you'll learn how to develop your unique leadership style for maximum impact.

 

  • Understand what a leader is…and is not
  • Project a more dynamic image
  • Discover your own unique leadership style
  • Determine which leadership attributes you already possess
  • Apply lessons learned through leadership training to take on your first leadership position with greater confidence
  • Get noticed by learning how to look and talk like a leader
  • Find out what people expect and respect in a leader
  • Apply lessons learned through leadership training to refine your skills in gaining and using power and influence positively
  • Learn how to motivate a team, including “difficult people”
  • Protect yourself against the pitfalls of intra-organizational politics

Is There a Leader in You?

  • Discuss which qualities senior management looks for in candidates for leadership positions
  • Understand the challenges you will face as a leader

What Do Leaders Talk About?

  • Discover your leadership style
  • Learn to adapt your style to the needs of others

What Is Your Leadership Image?

  • Describe how to project the positive professional image of a leader

How Can You Build Your Influence and Power?

  • Illustrate ways that leaders can build their power and influence

How Can You Develop Key Relationships?

  • Identify the strategic alliances you need to build

How Should You Handle Organizational Politics?

  • Explain strategies for getting others to support your agenda

How Can You Motivate People?

  • Assess the things that really motivate

Methods to Approach the First Day, Week, Month and Year of Leadership

  • Design your strategies for being noticed and selected to be a leader

Special Feature

AMA Blended Learning combines instructor-led training with online pre- and post-seminar assessments, tune-up courses and other resources to maximize your training goals. Through a blend of proven instructor-led seminars and powerful online technology, AMA Blended Learning provides a compelling and more comprehensive experience for the learner—producing a greater return-on-investment for the employer and the seminar participant.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify Respected Leadership Qualities and Begin to Build Your Authentic Leadership Voice
  • Gain Insights into How to Develop and Pursue Your Own Leadership Style
  • Project a Positive Trusted Professional Image
  • Identify and Use Your Sources of Power and Influence
  • Expand Your Networks by Developing Key Relationships
  • Effectively Participate in Organizational Politics
  • Motivate Others and Avoid Demoralizing Behaviors with All Types of Team Members

Who Is the Leader in You?

  • Identify the Qualities and Skills of Effective Leaders
  • Assess Your Own Proficiency with the Qualities and Skills of Effective Leaders

Leadership Styles and Communication

  • Identify Different Leadership Styles
  • Assess Your Own Leadership Style
  • Identify and Use Effective Communication Patterns
  • Identify the Types of Subjects Leaders Discuss
  • Explain the Benefits of Vision, Mission, and Value Statements That Are Followed throughout the Organization
  • Create Vision, Mission, and Value Statements

What Is Your Image as a Leader?

  • Project Executive Presence–A Positive Professional Image of a Leader
  • List the Factors That Impact Trust
  • Establish Credibility and Authenticity with Others
  • Apply Knowledge of Your Own Leadership Skills and Presence to Better Lead Your Teams

Relationships and Networking–How to Build Power and Influence and Handle Organizational Politics

  • Identify a Leader’s Sources of Power and Influence
  • Assess Your Own Power and Influence
  • Expand Your Power Networks by Developing Key Relationships
  • Describe Ways That Leaders Can Build Their Power and Influence
  • Differentiate Between Good Politics and Bad Politics
  • Explain Why Leaders Must Understand and Participate in Organizational Politics
  • Identify the Different Political Organizational Structures That Exist
  • Identify Strategies for Getting Others to Support Your Agenda
  • Effectively Engage with Adversaries

How You Can Motivate and Mentor Others

  • Identify Ways to Motivate and Engage Your Team
  • Manage a Coaching Discussion
  • Differentiate Mentoring from Coaching
  • Identify What Makes for a Good Mentor and a Positive Mentor-Mentee Relationship

Download Extended Seminar Outline PDF

View a Sample of Our Reviews

4.8

756 reviews

 
I learned several practical and easy to implement strategies for improving my appearance as a leader.
5
Christina B.
 
SR Business Analyst
 
Industry: Finance, Banking
The small class size allowed for students to openly discuss real-world situations as they relate to their roles.
4
Matthew D.
 
Director Client Strategy
 
Industry: Business Services, Management Consulting
Both the facilitator and the technical assistant created an open and friendly environment, and I am thrilled to say that I was engaged the entire time.
5
Rachel H.
 
Sr Revenue Management Analyst
 
Industry: Healthcare, Hospitals & Physicians Clinics
Good insight about what is expected to be a leader from upper management and how to apply the different styles of leaderships to a group or organization.
5
Walter M.
 
SENIOR PROJECT DESIGNER
 
Industry: Business Services, Software & Tech
This course has been invaluable to my growth into leadership. I've been a professional for over 15 years and the modules taught - the exercises within - have been a game changer for me. Highly recommend.
5
Heather C.
 
Content Marketing Manager
 
Industry: Insurance

This course is valid for 12 PMUs.

As a CAE Approved Provider educational program related to the CAE exam content outline, this program may be applied for 12 credits toward your CAE application or renewal professional development requirements.

AMA is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM.

 

Talent Triangle PDUs
12 Power Skills PDUs
Project Management Institute (PMI) Talent Triangle, 2015.
Reproduced with the permission of PMI. Copyright and all rights reserved

American Management Association is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.

 

American Management Association is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org. For additional information or for more information regarding administrative policies such as complaints and refunds, please contact Customer Service at 800-262-9699.

Recommended CPE Credit:
14 hours/Intermediate
Prerequisites: Foundation in Leadership
Advanced Preparation: Online pre- and post-seminar assessments
Delivery Method: Group Live/Group Internet Based
Field of Study:  Non-Technical – Personal Development

In-Person Schedule

10 Sessions Available

Live Online Schedule

9 Sessions Available

  • $2,895.00 Non Members
  • $2,595.00 AMA Members
  • $2,567.00 GSA
Date Duration State City Zip
  2026-05-12 2026-05-13 May 12, 2026 - May 13, 2026 2 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2026-05-21 2026-05-22 May 21, 2026 - May 22, 2026 2 Days DC Arlington/Washington 22202-4807 Arlington/Washington Register Now

  2026-06-04 2026-06-05 Jun 4, 2026 - Jun 5, 2026 2 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

  2026-06-15 2026-06-16 Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 16, 2026 2 Days TX Houston 77001 Houston Register Now

  2026-07-21 2026-07-22 Jul 21, 2026 - Jul 22, 2026 2 Days GA Atlanta 30309-7705 Atlanta Register Now

  2026-08-03 2026-08-04 Aug 3, 2026 - Aug 4, 2026 2 Days DC Arlington/Washington 22202-4807 Arlington/Washington Register Now

  2026-08-13 2026-08-14 Aug 13, 2026 - Aug 14, 2026 2 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

  2026-09-17 2026-09-18 Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 18, 2026 2 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2026-10-26 2026-10-27 Oct 26, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026 2 Days CA San Francisco 94103 San Francisco Register Now

  2026-11-16 2026-11-17 Nov 16, 2026 - Nov 17, 2026 2 Days GA Atlanta 30309-7705 Atlanta Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m an individual contributor with no direct reports. Is this leadership training right for me?

Yes. This leadership training is designed for professionals who are preparing for leadership roles and want to transition from individual contributor to leader. The course focuses on developing core leadership behaviors, communication skills and the mindset required to step confidently into greater responsibility.

How will this course help me take the lead without a leadership title?

Many professionals are expected to influence others before receiving a formal promotion. This program supports leadership preparation by helping participants strengthen communication, build credibility and demonstrate leadership behaviors that earn trust and respect—even without direct authority.

What skills will I develop in this preparing for leadership course?

In this preparing for leadership course, you’ll build skills in communication, accountability, decision making and influencing others. The seminar emphasizes the behaviors and attitudes that differentiate effective leaders from high-performing individual contributors.

How does this leadership course help with the transition from peer to supervisor?

Moving from peer to leader can be one of the most challenging professional shifts. This seminar addresses that transition directly, helping you set expectations, establish boundaries and lead former peers with clarity and professionalism.

What should I expect from a leadership course like this?

If you’re asking what to expect from a leadership course, this program focuses on foundational leadership development rather than advanced strategy. You’ll gain practical tools to improve communication, build confidence and prepare for increased leadership responsibilities.

How is this different from other leadership training programs?

Many leadership programs target experienced managers. This leadership preparation seminar is designed for emerging leaders who want to build a strong foundation before stepping fully into a management role. It focuses on readiness, mindset and essential leadership behaviors.

Can this leadership development course be delivered in-house to prepare employees for future leadership roles?

Yes. This course can be delivered at your company, in person or live online, for emerging leaders and high-potential employees. Delivery can be tailored to your organization’s leadership pipeline and development goals, helping participants build the skills and mindset needed to step into leadership roles with confidence. To explore options, please contact us for more information.
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