Leading without Formal Authority

Overview

Perhaps you are responsible for delivering projects using contractors where traditional line management is less applicable? Or you could be a technical expert and prefer a technically focused career path yet still have to get things done through others - but can’t tell people what to do? These scenarios represent the complex business relationships often found in engineering, whilst you may not have traditional line management capability, you probably still need to be able to lead and influence those you work with.

Learning outcomes

After the course you will be able to:

• understand the different types of business relationships that exist today and manage expectations accordingly
• evaluate ‘obligations’, be these contractual or personal
• ensure that a team that not only meets but often exceeds these obligations
• track, manage and maintain performance without formal authority
• establish and implement fundamental work practices to ensure a smooth-running team
• get things back on track quickly and effectively when things go wrong
• implement performance management techniques
• analyse the nature of conflict situations and the various responses available to those without authority.

Who will benefit

Those in project or technical lead roles and those seeking to develop their career in non-line management positions.

Course outline

• Understanding relationships – exploring the dynamics between customers, suppliers, and competitors
• Obligations – identifying contractual and personal obligations and how those influence objectives
• Trust – Building trust through consistency and best practice
•  Expectations – managing client & employer expectations
• Achievement – consistent plan delivery
• Leadership vs Followership – the golden rules of leadership
• Influencing – creating a network that works for you
• Conflict Management – what to do when things go wrong

“Phill was an informed and passionate facilitator. He made sure interaction remained high and found a great mix of group/individual exercises. He's a big part of why I felt I gained a lot from the course. I found the content quite relevant to my role and will hopefully use a lot of what was learnt."
Ben Hicks, FMB Oxford Limited

“The course gave a really good overview of many tools and techniques I can build on to improve my ability to lead activities in the next few years. The trainer was excellent at engaging the course attendees to stimulate conversation and expand the learning experience for all involved."
Craig Holroyd, company not disclosed

Early-bird offer

Book by 7 October 2022 (for the December 2022 date), by 6 January 2023 (for the March 2023 date) or by 27 April 2023 (for the June 2023 date) and save 10%.

This is a course run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). For more information about the course or to book your place, contact courses@icheme.org