Date: December 2 and 4, 2026 (must attend each session)
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Duration: 10 Clock Hours (Two 5-Hour Sessions)
Location: State Fair Community College | Sedalia Campus | in-person
Instructor: Susie Arbo
Registration Deadline: November 20, 2026
Cost: $799 per participant
Category: Leadership and Professional Development
Prerequisites: Completion of Learn to Lead with True Colors or equivalent leadership experience
Training Description
Next Level Leadership is an advanced leadership development program designed for experienced leaders seeking to strengthen their leadership effectiveness, communication skills, and ability to lead people in today's evolving workplace. Building on the foundational concepts introduced in Learn to Lead with True Colors, this interactive program equips participants with practical tools to lead with greater self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and influence.
Through instructor-led discussions, collaborative workshops, peer coaching, and real-world leadership scenarios, participants explore advanced topics including emotional intelligence, stress management, workplace culture, communication, conflict resolution, multigenerational leadership, and leadership effectiveness. Participants will develop actionable strategies to improve employee engagement, strengthen workplace relationships, and create positive organizational cultures.
The program concludes with a personalized leadership action plan designed to support continued growth and accountability within each participant's organization.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Apply emotional intelligence strategies to improve self-awareness, resilience, and leadership effectiveness.
- Recognize the impact of stress, burnout, and mental health on workplace performance and implement strategies to promote well-being.
- Foster a positive team culture that supports engagement, accountability, connection, and retention.
- Identify leadership approaches that effectively engage and motivate employees across five generations in today's workforce.
- Utilize communication and conflict resolution techniques to strengthen workplace relationships and improve team collaboration.
- Understand the qualities and behaviors of highly effective leaders and apply them in everyday leadership situations.
- Lead with trust, empathy, and influence to create a healthy and productive work environment.
- Develop an actionable leadership plan to enhance personal and professional growth.
Course Outline
Module 1: Emotional Intelligence and Self-Leadership
- Emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness
- Building self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Resilience and adaptability in leadership
- Managing reactions versus responding intentionally
- Leading with empathy and strengthening relationships
Module 2: Stress Management and Mental Health in the Workplace
- Understanding workplace stress and burnout
- Recognizing signs of mental health challenges in employees
- Strategies to promote resilience and well-being
- Creating psychologically safe workplaces
- Supporting employees while maintaining healthy boundaries
- Practical tools for managing stress and preventing burnout
Module 3: Team Culture and Workplace Connection
- Building a positive and engaged workplace culture
- The leader's role in shaping culture
- Trust, accountability, and team engagement
- Understanding workplace motivation
- Love Languages in the Workplace
- Appreciating and connecting with different personality styles
- Creating a culture of recognition and belonging
Module 4: Advanced Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Effective communication strategies for leaders
- Active listening and communication barriers
- Difficult conversations and constructive feedback
- Conflict management and resolution techniques
- Leading through change and uncertainty
- Building stronger workplace relationships
Module 5: Leading Five Generations in the Workplace
- Understanding the five generations at work today
- Generational strengths and challenges
- Communication preferences across generations
- Reducing generational conflict and misconceptions
- Creating collaboration and engagement among diverse age groups
- Leading a multigenerational workforce effectively
Module 6: Qualities of Highly Effective Leaders
- Characteristics of exceptional leaders
- Trust, credibility, and integrity
- Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Accountability and consistency
- Vision, influence, and decision-making
- Servant leadership principles
- Leading by example
Module 7: Leadership Action Planning and Growth
- Translating leadership concepts into workplace practice
- Identifying personal leadership strengths and growth areas
- Creating measurable leadership goals
- Developing a personal leadership growth plan
- Accountability and continuous improvement
- Commitment to action
Instructional Methods
- Instructor-led presentations with interactive handouts
- Individual reflection activities
- Small-group workshops and case studies
- Peer coaching and facilitated discussions
- Real-world leadership scenarios and exercises
- Leadership action planning
Materials Provided
- Participant workbook and handouts
- Leadership assessments and reflection tools
- Action-planning templates
- Case studies and workshop materials
- Certificate of completion
Who Should Attend
This training is designed for experienced supervisors, managers, team leads, department heads, and leaders seeking to advance their leadership capabilities, strengthen communication skills, and increase their impact within their organizations.
