leverage ie’s framework for empathic assertiveness to confidently manage up and across within your school or organization

Program Overview

In the fast-paced environment that we find in most education and nonprofit settings, it’s essential for folks to possess communication skills that they can use to be both clear and direct without coming across as demanding, and to be transparent about boundaries without coming across as dismissive. 

In this program, participants will tap into two core IE models: 1) the PRES Model for Leadership Presence and 2) the Empathic Assertiveness Model for Leadership Communication, to explore how to effectively manage up with their managers/supervisors and manage across with their other colleagues. Together, we will learn and practice the leadership presence and communications skills required to maintain strong, productive relationships that can endure challenging times and fast-paced work environments.

Core Objectives

  • Explore IE’s Empathic Assertiveness (EA) framework to improve ability to manage up and across in your role.

  • Strengthen ability to communicate and collaborate with greater spontaneity and expressiveness.

  • Explore approaches to listening designed to build and deepen relationships.

  • Practice assertive communication aimed at encouraging cooperation and mutual respect among team members.

  • Learn how to set boundaries and establish limits clearly—while maintaining positive relationships with colleagues.

  • Practice applying EA to real-life scenarios, increasing your readiness to respond to common challenges.

Program Components

  • Understanding the empathic assertiveness framework

  • Reflecting on strengths and challenges with managing up and across

  • Exploring when and how to apply EA skills in common scenarios

  • Practicing the application of EA skills and receiving feedback

  • Being present and flexible

This program can also be offered virtually. Our virtual programming is delivered through Zoom and includes: 

  • An expert IE facilitator, trained for virtual program delivery 

  • A comprehensive slide deck developed for the virtual context 

  • Opportunities for whole group, small group, and 1-on-1 discussion 

  • Option for IE tech host to facilitate smooth implementation

This program can be offered in a large group (capped at 40 in person and 25 virtually) and small group (capped at 10) format.