About the Course

The role of Human Resource Management (HRM) has evolved from a purely administrative function to a critical driver of organizational success. Modern HR professionals are expected not only to manage personnel matters but to contribute strategically to business outcomes, foster talent development, and champion a culture of performance, innovation, and employee well-being.

The Advanced HR Management and Development course is designed to empower HR leaders and practitioners with the strategic mindset, advanced tools, and practical competencies needed to navigate this transformation. It addresses the shifting landscape of human capital management by equipping participants with insights into aligning HR strategy with organizational goals, leading change, optimizing talent systems, and using data to drive decisions.

Target Participants

This training is particularly relevant for HR professionals seeking to deepen their impact in areas such as strategic planning, employee engagement, organizational development, and performance optimization. With a strong focus on contextual relevance and practical application, the course supports institutions like the Blantyre Water Board in building a future-ready HR function that enhances both employee experience and institutional performance.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course the participants will be able to:

• Understand the role and responsibilities of a supervisor-EA
• Communicate expectations clearly and provide constructive feedback
• Coach and develop team members to enhance performance
• Manage performance issues, conflicts, and difficult conversations
• Delegate tasks effectively while maintaining accountability
• Lead meetings, monitor progress, and drive continuous improvement

Course Duration

Classroom Based – 5 Days

Online – 7 Days

Course Outline

The Role of an Executive Assistant as a Supervisor

• Understanding the shift from EA to supervisor
• Key supervisory responsibilities in an executive support role
• Balancing administrative tasks with leadership duties
• Identifying common challenges faced by supervisory EAs
• Case study: Successful EA supervisors – traits and practices

Leadership & Emotional Intelligence (EI) for EAs

• Different leadership styles and their impact on teams
• Developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence (EQ)
• Building trust and credibility with executives and staff
• Leading by influence rather than authority
• Practical exercise: Assessing your leadership style

Effective Communication & Active Listening

• Principles of clear and assertive communication
• Active listening techniques for better collaboration
• Managing upward communication with executives
• Handling misunderstandings and communication gaps
• Role-play: Delivering clear instructions and feedback

Delegation & Task Management

• The art of effective delegation – when and how to delegate
• Identifying tasks suitable for delegation
• Overcoming reluctance to delegate
• Monitoring delegated tasks without micromanaging
• Case study: Delegation pitfalls and best practices

Conflict Resolution

• Common sources of workplace conflict for EAs
• Strategies for de-escalating tense situations
• Frameworks for having difficult conversations (e.g., DESC Model)
• Mediating conflicts between team members

Time Management & Decision-Making

• Prioritizing tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Tools for efficient time management (Eisenhower Matrix, Pomodoro)
• Avoiding procrastination and distractions
• Making quick yet effective decisions
• Practical exercise: Creating a priority-based daily schedule

Motivating & Engaging Teams

• Understanding what motivates administrative teams
• Recognition and reward strategies for support staff
• Creating a positive and inclusive work culture
• Techniques for remote team engagement (if applicable)
• Discussion: What motivates you and your team?

Performance Management & Feedback

• Setting clear expectations and KPIs for team members
• Giving constructive feedback (SBI Model: Situation-Behavior-Impact)
• Handling underperformance professionally
• Conducting effective one-on-one check-ins
• Practical: Delivering a performance feedback session

Training Approach

This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, presentations, group works and case studies.

Training notes and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued a certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs.