Course Outline

This course is designed to equip aspiring leaders with the essential skills, mindset, and tools needed to step confidently into managerial roles. Through practical insights and real-world scenarios, participants will build a strong foundation for effective leadership.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define the difference between management and leadership
• Clarify who you want to be as a leader (your personal "why" as a leader)
• Discuss the strengths and challenges of different leadership styles
• Discuss some of the challenges of transitioning to management and how to handle them
• Identify the various stakeholders involved in a complex situation and how to manage them
• Use a reflective practice to learn and grow as a manager

Trainer Bio

Dr. Dufour is an Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University. Prior to this, he held academic positions at institutions such as the University of Toronto, the University of Windsor, and Montpellier Business School in France.

His research focuses primarily on newcomer socialization, creativity and innovation, ethics, and emotions. His work has been published in leading academic journals including Academy of Management Review, Organization Science, Journal of Applied Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, and Journal of Management.

Dr. Dufour has taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels in institutions around the world, including the University of Luxembourg. He has also delivered executive education programs for organizations such as Air France, EDF, All Nippon Airways, and Hitachi.

In recent years, he has specialized in executive education within the healthcare sector, designing customized programs for institutions such as SickKids and the World Health Organization.

He is also a co-founder of Performance Lab, a consulting firm that collaborates with a wide range of multinationals and startups—primarily in France—using scientific methods to address practical managerial and strategic challenges.

Dr. Dufour particularly enjoys teaching in a practical and applied manner, drawing on his field experience to enrich his courses, and values meaningful interaction with his students.