Stepping into Leadership

Overview

Designed for new and aspiring managers, this practical one-day course supports your transition from team member to team leader. You’ll build the skills and confidence to take on leadership responsibilities and manage teams with confidence. Explore core leadership styles, learn how to balance priorities across people and performance, and strengthen how you communicate, motivate and make decisions. Through expert-led sessions, self-reflection and practical exercises, you’ll develop greater self-awareness and gain the tools to manage tasks and teams successfully. 

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to: 

  • Recognise and apply different leadership styles straight away 

  • Communicate with clarity, purpose and empathy 

  • Balance task management with team motivation 

  • Approach decision-making with greater confidence 

  • Step into leadership with a clear personal action plan.

Programme details

Session 1: Leadership styles 

  • Exploring diverse leadership methodologies 

  • Action-centred leadership 

Session 2: Leading self 

  • Importance of self-awareness 

  • Ethos, values and moral leadership 

  • Lead by example 

Session 3: Leading teams 

  • Mission command and followership 

Session 4: Leading Change 

  • Implementing change effectively in an ever-changing world 

  • Kotter’s 8-step change model 

  • Knoester’s change management model 

Attending your course 

Further details will be emailed to you two weeks ahead of your course, which will include registration information. 

If you have not received your joining instructions five working days before the course start date, please get in touch. 

In the meantime, you may wish to plan your travel: Travel information 

Certification

In order to be eligible for a certificate of attendance, you will need to attend the whole course. Participants who meet this criterion will be emailed after the end of the course with a link, and instructions on how to access their University of Oxford digital certificate. 

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate, as well as share it on social media if you choose to do so.  

Fees

Description Costs
Standard course fee £685.00

Payment

Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunch. The price does not include accommodation. 

All courses are VAT exempt. 

Register immediately online 

Click the 'Book now' button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required. 

Request an invoice 

If you require an invoice for your company or organisation, please email us to request an online enrolment form. Payment is then accepted online, by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer.

Tutors

Paul Gardner

Paul Gardner is a Veteran of the Royal Air Force, having served for 36 years.  He has extensive experience of delivering leadership and management courses as well as practical leadership on operations and in the UK.  He gained his Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management whilst at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.  He designed and delivered a senior leadership course, accredited by ILM at Level 7.  Additionally, Paul has previously been involved in delivering coaching at executive level and holds a Level 5 Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring. In 2025, he was presented with the Educator of the Year award by the Worshipful Company of Educators. 

With his extensive background in leadership over 36 years, his mission is to develop others, particularly at the junior leadership level, by facilitating an innovative leadership course that encourages participants to consider their own individual leadership style.

Chris Mears

Chris Mears is a veteran of the Royal Air Force, having served for 37 years. During that time, he gained a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management, Level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring, as well as three decades of experience managing and leading people in robust environments. He conducted a Master’s in Business Administration, which enabled him to think differently about his role in the RAF and his current work as a consultant. Chris dips in and out of work in the Middle East, where is has worked primarily for government-based organisations in the oil, gas, petroleum and aluminium sectors, and has taught on CMI Level 5 & 7 Leadership courses. He has also been involved in development programs, assessing future leaders. 

Having left the RAF 5 years ago, Chris wanted to better understand himself post-military life, opting to live alongside nature on a narrow boat. He has a YouTube channel documenting his journey on the canals. Throughout his life’s journey, he has always found pleasure in developing others to reach their potential. 

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click 'Ask a Question' at the top of this page. 

Accommodation

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme. 

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website. 

Enrolled students are entitled to discounted accommodation rates for the purpose of study, at Rewley House, and can contact the administration team for the promotional code to use for making online accommodation bookings via the website.