Description

“Making the Shift: Moving from Employee to Supervisor to Leader,” is designed to guide rising professionals through the critical transition from individual contributor to supervisor and ultimately to effective leader. Attendees will explore practical strategies for building credibility, managing former peer relationships, and fostering a coaching culture. Through real-life case studies, participants will tackle challenges associated with feedback, ethical boundaries, motivation theories, and the practical tools needed to inspire trust and high performance. The session delivers actionable insights, equipping professionals with the skills to set clear goals, maintain professional boundaries, and communicate effectively within teams. Participants will leave with the knowledge and tactics required to handle new leadership responsibilities and elevate organizational outcomes confidently.

Instructor: Karl Ahlrichs

Target Audience

· Newly promoted Supervisors: Professionals transitioning from individual contributor roles and seeking to build foundational management skills.

· Accounting and Finance Managers: Individuals responsible for leading teams and developing direct reports.

· Senior Accountants and Team Leads: People overseeing projects who want to enhance their leadership capabilities and manage former peers effectively.

· This session is ideal for those taking on leadership responsibilities in accounting, finance, or related organizational roles.

Course Objectives

· Apply effective feedback and coaching strategies to improve individual and team performance in supervisory roles.

· Identify professional boundaries and ethical considerations unique to the transition from peer to supervisor.

· Analyze motivational theories and choose appropriate techniques for motivating and engaging employees.

· Use communication and active listening tools to build trust and credibility across diverse teams.

Subjects

· Managing the change in relationships when shifting from peer to supervisor, including handling potential conflicts and maintaining professionalism.

· Building credibility and trust as a new supervisor—key factors and behaviors to establish influence and authority.

· Providing and receiving constructive feedback, coaching for performance, and supporting continuous improvement.

· Understanding and applying professional boundaries and ethics in leadership contexts.

· Using motivational theories (Maslow, Herzberg) to increase engagement and drive results.

· Active listening, communication best practices, and barriers to effective workplace communication.

· Setting SMART goals and driving accountability within teams.

· Responding to complex workplace challenges with real-life case study analysis and solutions.

Prerequisites

Experience in the accounting and finance field.

Advanced Preparation

Experience in the accounting and finance field.