The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is excited to present The Leadership Institute designed specifically for first-time managers, soon-to-be team leaders, and prospective supervisors. This intensive 5-session program offers practical leadership skills, hands-on training, and networking opportunities that empower participants to step confidently into their first leadership roles.

Program Structure:

  • Duration: 5 weeks (First class is June – July 2025)

  • Format: Weekly 2-hour evening sessions (5:30 pm – 7:30 pm) held at the Arlington Community House

  • Session Dates: Every Tuesday night

  • Target Audience: New and prospective managers, supervisors, and team leads from area businesses & nonprofits

Program Goals:

  • Equip new leaders with essential skills to manage teams effectively

  • Foster a community of emerging leaders in Southwestern Vermont

  • Provide practical tools and techniques for navigating leadership challenges

  • Strengthen local businesses by developing leadership talent from within

Session Overview:

  1. Week 1: Foundations of Leadership – Understanding Your Leadership Style

    • Date: First Tuesday in June

    • Topics Covered: Self-awareness, leadership style assessments, adapting styles to situations

    • Activities: Leadership self-assessment, group discussion on personal leadership experiences, journaling

  2. Week 2: Effective Communication & Conflict Resolution

    • Date: Second Tuesday in June

    • Topics Covered: Active listening, giving/receiving feedback, building a culture of trust

    • Activities: Role-playing communication scenarios, trust-building exercises, peer feedback

  3. Week 3: Time Management & Prioritization for Leaders

    • Date: Third Tuesday in June

    • Topics Covered: Delegation techniques, time-blocking, prioritization strategies

    • Activities: Time management exercises, case studies on prioritization in real-world situations

  4. Week 4: Decision-Making & Problem-Solving for the Emerging Leader

    • Date: Fourth Tuesday in June

    • Topics Covered: Problem-solving frameworks, decision-making under pressure, balancing short-term and long-term goals

    • Activities: Case studies, group problem-solving exercises, decision-making scenarios

  5. Week 5: Leading High-Performance Teams as a New Supervisor

    • Date: First Tuesday in July

    • Topics Covered: Team dynamics, setting expectations, motivating and engaging employees

    • Activities: Group discussions on team challenges, action planning for creating high-performing teams

Benefits to Participants:

  • Gain practical leadership skills and confidence

  • Access resources and tools for continued development

  • Connect with a network of peers facing similar challenges

  • Receive a certificate of completion from the Southwestern Vermont Chamber

Program Benefits for Employers:

  • Enhance employee retention by investing in leadership development

  • Strengthen internal leadership pipelines

  • Improve team productivity and morale

Registration:

  • Fees: $500 for Chamber members | $750 for non-members

  • Includes: All training materials, refreshments, and a completion recognition

  • Paying as an individual: If you’re interest in attending but don’t have financial assistance from your company, we have scholarships available!