Executive Survival Skills Course

Module 1: Climate Setting / Course Overview

• Introduce course objectives and participant expectations
• Establish a collaborative learning environment
• Begin discussion of key leadership concepts

Module 2: Leading in Turbulent Times

• Define "executive survival" and understand its leadership relevance
• Explore the Executive Survival Framework: Self, Others, Environment
• Identify key survival characteristics and political competence behaviors
• Complete political skill assessments and reflection exercises

Module 3: Emotional Intelligence

• Apply Daniel Goleman’s EI framework and Rational Behavior Therapy (RBT)
• Practice emotional self-regulation and social awareness through case studies
• Use emotional intelligence in team conversations and performance discussions

Module 4: Executive Presence

• Define and self-assess executive and leadership presence
• Explore key presence behaviors using the PRES model
• Practice authentic expression and behavioral adjustments to improve presence

Module 5: Change Dynamics

• Understand the executive’s role in organizational change initiatives
• Apply concepts from Bridges’ Transition Model and Kotter’s 8-Step Process
• Identify leadership pitfalls and strategies for navigating transitions

Module 6: Situational Leadership

• Use Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership model to assess team needs
• Identify personal leadership style through assessments and exercises
• Practice adapting leadership approaches in group decision-making activities

Module 7: Conflict Management

• Explore personal conflict management style through self-assessments
• Understand emotional and interpersonal dynamics during conflict
• Apply learned techniques through structured case studies and debriefs