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:
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
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
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
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
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
Your Instructor
Matt Harrington, Certified Association Executive (CAE) and executive director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber has over 15 years in leadership development and instructional design beyond the chamber! Matt has developed individuals, teams, and organizations throughout the country, bringing real-world insights into leadership, organizational growth, and community development.
His previous clients include organizations such as the Keurig Green Mountain, Killington Resort, MASS Mutual, the USDA, Western Carolina University, the American Academy of Dermatology, State University of New York, the Association for Training and Development (ATD), and more. He is also the co-author of Survival of the Hive: 7 Leadership Lessons from a Beehive, an allegorical guide to leadership, trust, and culture based on the life of bees.
Matt continues to champion transformative leadership that builds stronger people, better teams, and thriving communities.
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: $350 for Chamber members (55% discount!) | $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!
