The focus of the first module addresses issues of the individual in their leadership role, the exploration of effective strategies in communicating with others as well as defining core capabilities, motivations, attitudes, behaviours and identifying areas of personal development (interpersonal skills). 

Up to max. 16 participants supported by our facilitators Gregor Gardner together with Catherine Boyle will address questions and themes such as:

• What does it mean to be a leader within Bertelsmann/my division/my company?
• What skills are necessary for good leadership?
• What is it that I want to achieve in my leadership career and how?
• How do I communicate and what results do I achieve? 
• What kind of resources do I have to solve leadership challenges in my day-to-day life?

• Intensive and interactive learning in protected setting
• First-hand case studies, coaching and feedback by facilitators and within peer group
• Constant transfer of learnings into daily work as a leader
• Newest concepts, leadership and management theories / methodology
• Two 3-day-modules (I: individual, II: team) at external venue + individual coaching
• Offered in respective language, developed with local partners 

Fundamentally, we do not see the trainer as a 'teacher' with superior knowledge, but instead as someone who facilitates and supports. Their primary expertise is in shaping learning processes. Coaches will adjust to the needs of the individual and/or group to ensure the best outcome for all.

In order to support the learning success back in daily business life and strengthen the link between the two modules, there is the possibility to interact with the coaches on an individual basis. Prior to the start of the program participants will have a first contact and exchange with the trainer about their ideas and goals regarding the program. After each module participants will have the chance to get a personal coaching session (on-site or via phone) with one of the trainers in order to deepen their learnings from the program or to discuss current leadership challenges in their daily business.

• Managers with first hand leadership experience.
• Those already in leadership positions, who, in their careers with Bertelsmann, have been identified as 'High Potentials' and are expected to progress quickly.

Ideally, participants should be in Bertelsmann employment more than 12 months.

Participants will best profit from this first module if they are prepared to constructively but critically reflect on themselves and their actions as leaders and regard getting feedback from various perspectives as an opportunity for personal development.