Leadership Skills
Ontario Tech’s leadership development certificates offer an exciting path for anyone aiming to strengthen communication skills, expand a leadership toolkit, or prepare for future career growth. Leadership development at the university begins with reflection, self‑awareness, and a commitment to continuous learning, qualities that help employees grow from new hires into seasoned professionals and future leaders.
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April - October -Certificate in Nuanced Communication
Human Edge: Interpersonal Influence Presence & Professional Impact
In the dynamic environment of higher education institutions, effective communication is pivotal for
successful collaboration, leadership, and organizational cohesion. The certificate "The Human Edge:
Interpersonal Influence, Presence & Professional Impact" certificate is tailored to enhance
communication proficiency specifically for university staff and management roles.
The certificate is a targeted and intensive training program meticulously crafted to elevate
communication expertise among university professionals. Each of the five workshop topics are
explored in depth through interactive and engaging sessions, each delivered via one 3-hour Zoom
workshop.Workshops include:
Social Influence & Awareness - April 17, 9am - noon
Influence begins with understanding. Learn how to read group dynamics, interpret unspoken cues, and
build trust that drives collaboration.
Learning Outcomes:
• Recognize social signals that shape workplace interactions.
• Use positive influence to guide outcomes, not control them.
• Build authentic credibility across diverse teams.Discernment - May 8, 9am - noon
In an age of information overload, discernment is wisdom in action. Learn how to separate signal from noise
and make sound judgments.
Learning Outcomes:
• Evaluate information sources and credibility.
• Practice decision-making under ambiguity.
• Develop intuition informed by evidence, not bias.Charisma - June 12, 9am - noon
Charisma isn’t innate — it’s a blend of confidence, warmth, and presence. Learn how to connect, engage,
and inspire authentically.
Learning Outcomes:
• Explore the three dimensions of charisma: visibility, voice, and values.
• Practice techniques for confident, compelling communication.
• Balance authority with approachability.Showing Initiative & Ownership - July 10, 9am - noon
Move from waiting to leading. Learn how to take intelligent initiative and own outcomes with confidence.
Learning Outcomes:
• Distinguish between proactive and reactive mindsets.
• Build accountability through clear communication.
• Turn initiative into consistent results.Accountability Skills - Oct 2, 9am - noon
Accountability builds trust, credibility, and high-performing teams. Learn how to deliver on commitments and
model reliability.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understand the mindset of personal responsibility.
• Practice accountability conversations with peers.
• Build systems that sustain follow-through. -
November - February - Certificate in Adaptive Leadership
The Adaptive Mind: Cognitive Ability, Strategic Thinking & Change Leadership
In the dynamic environment of higher education institutions, effective communication is pivotal for
successful collaboration, leadership, and organizational cohesion. The certificate "The Adaptive
Mind: Cognitive Agility, Strategic Thinking & Change Leadership" certificate is tailored to enhance
communication proficiency specifically for university staff and management roles.
The certificate is a targeted and intensive training program meticulously crafted to elevate
communication expertise among university professionals. Each of the five workshop topics are
explored in depth through interactive and engaging sessions, each delivered via one 3-hour Zoom
workshop.Curiosity - November 6, 9am - noon
Curiosity fuels learning, creativity, and innovation. This session turns questions into a professional
superpower.
Learning Outcomes:
• Develop the habit of inquiry over assumption.
• Frame better questions that lead to insight.
• Cultivate curiosity as a daily leadership mindset.Cognitive Flexibility - December 4, 9am - noon
The skill of the future. Learn how to shift perspectives, reframe challenges, and think adaptively under
pressure.
Learning Outcomes:
• Recognize thinking traps and mental rigidity.
• Practice reframing and divergent thinking exercises.
• Strengthen decision-making in dynamic contexts.Self-Regulation - January 15, 9am - noon
Master the skill of keeping calm and clear-minded when situations heat up. This workshop builds emotional
control for smarter, steadier decision-making.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understand emotional triggers and physiological responses.
• Practice reframing techniques to manage reactions.
• Strengthen consistency and composure under pressure.Strategic Adaptability - February 19, 9am - noon
Adaptation is not reaction — it’s informed evolution. This session develops the foresight to pivot
strategically.
Learning Outcomes:
• Recognize when to shift direction versus stay the course.
• Integrate change into long-term goals.
• Practice scenario planning and agile decision-making.Change Management - Scope & Scale - March 26, 9am - noon
Change is no longer a project — it’s a constant. Learn how to manage scope, scale, and human impact with
empathy and clarity.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understand change psychology and stakeholder dynamics.
• Map the scope of change and anticipate ripple effects.
• Lead through transitions with communication and care.