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Middle Manager as Change Champion

08 October 2026

This change leadership course for middle managers takes a systems approach to understanding change.

 

An important cornerstone of inspirational leadership is the ability to champion change. This includes the ability to be forward looking, to possess a growth mindset, and to convey a continuous improvement orientation to the day-to-day work

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in this course, please contact us:

Our Executive Education offering is focused on tailored learning solutions developed and delivered in partnership with organisations. If you’re looking for flexible professional development options for individuals or teams, explore the range of online courses available through UC Online: uconline.ac.nz Contact UC Online’s Partnerships Manager, Lisa Burdes to discuss any group or organisational online learning: partnerships@uconline.ac.nz

Middle Manager as Change Champion

Middle managers play a vital role in the implementation of organisational change. They are the ‘translators’ of strategy from the Executive to effective implementation at the front lines. Without them, change initiatives run the risk of being inspiring visions without practical ‘rubber hits the road’ transition achievements.

More than just project leadership, middle managers are the eyes-and-ears for what works from a cultural perspective – how fast the change process can go, the potential sources of resistance and the inspiration needed for teams to get plans into action.

In this change management offering - designed specifically for middle managers – you will learn:

  • how the middle managers role is unique and the specific leadership skills required to implement change effectively;
  • how change management is no longer a ‘one-and-done’ proposition but an ongoing role in the middle-managers plan of work;
  • a ‘systems approach’ to change leadership that goes beyond linear ‘step-models’ to embrace the environmental elements needed to sustain change over time; and
  • what’s needed to guide teams through the transition process in a way that helps them to create and build individual and team agency that contributes to ongoing success.

This 1-Day practical course, Change Leadership for Middle Managers, is designed for those who work to get things done through others. It considers both the project and the people side of change and how the middle manager plays a vital role in executing change plans successfully.

 

Who should attend:

This course is perfect for:

  • Middle managers who are responsible for implementing change programmes through teams of people
  • Rising leaders in the organisation who are leading groups through the change and transition process
  • Experienced project managers who want to collaborate effectively with organisational leaders
  • Executive leaders who want to bridge the ‘knowing-doing’ gap with their middle managers.

 

What you'll get:

Self-awareness of Change Leadership Skills: Develop greater understanding of your strengths in implementing change programmes.

Practical Application of a Systems Approach: Firsthand experience using a systems-thinking change leadership simulator to ‘try-your-hand’ and a change implementation strategy.

Strategic Insight on the Human Side of Change: Application in aligning new and existing change projects with broader organizational goals.

A framework for understanding key skills middle managers need in preparation for ‘rising to the next level’.


Course Facilitator 

Michelle Shields

Dr Michelle Shields, MS Organisational Development; PhD Psychology, is a strengths-based HRD/OD practitioner.  As principal consultant with Fulcrum Associates Ltd., she uses strengths-based approaches to help teams with strategy formation and culture change.  She is an international partner of the Zenger Folkman Extraordinary Leadership practice employing strengths-based development for leveraging leadership at all levels.  She has over thirty-years’ experience as a practitioner in New Zealand and the US, is the founder of Culture First Canterbury, and is a Chartered Member of the Human Resource Institute of New Zealand.


Upcoming Courses

There are currently no scheduled sessions of this course for 2026/2027. Please explore the range of short courses available through UC Online here.

If you have any questions about our Executive Education & Professional Development Programme

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