Enhancing Personal Leadership Skills – vision, power and influence
On Monday 12 May 2025, Dr Philippe Leliaert – consultant, trainer and coach in knowledge & performance management and organisational transformation – kicked off the Short Executive Programme on Personal Leadership Skills. This five-day programme is designed for (aspiring) team leaders who want to enhance their personal leadership and management style, enabling them to deal effectively with vision, power and influence.
Ms Clara Vincent (France) applied for the programme to deepen her understanding of team dynamics and enhance her conflict management skills:“The course was profoundly enriching. I acquired new methodologies and, importantly, had the opportunity to apply them in practice. This hands-on approach solidified my learning and boosted my confidence in implementing these strategies in real-world scenarios.”
When we asked Ms Maxi Knoedler (the Netherlands) why she applied for the programme, she explained: “I was looking for personal growth as a leader — to be pushed outside of my comfort zone and to gain concrete tools for navigating complex team dynamics. The programme introduced us to important leadership concepts and topics such as resistance, trust-building, team performance, and psychological safety.”
Ms Vincent spoke highly of the way Dr Philippe Leliaert delivered the programme: “What attracted me to this programme was the impressive background of the facilitator, Philippe Leliaert. His expertise and experience promised a rich learning environment, which indeed proved to be the case.”
Ms Knoedler was also very positive about Dr Leliaert’s: “I appreciated the overall structure of the programme, especially the interaction between teacher and participants, which encouraged many reflective moments – largely thanks to Philippe’s thoughtful facilitation style. He created a space where it felt safe to question our own assumptions, and he consistently challenged us—not by giving answers, but by asking the right questions at the right time. His ability to listen deeply, pick up on subtle cues in the group, and redirect our focus when needed made the sessions feel dynamic and engaging. His presence made a real difference in keeping the group mentally present and emotionally invested throughout.”
“In particular I liked the hands-on approach that solidified my learning and boosted my confidence in implementing these strategies in real-world scenarios,” said Ms Vincent.
Ms Knoedler added: “I also liked that the class wasn’t purely theoretical — we explored practical examples and included elements of gamification, which made the content more engaging. Another key takeaway for me was the importance of actively challenging my own perceptions and assumptions. The programme (and Philippe) reminded me that people bring different stories, backgrounds, and intentions to the table — and what I perceive in a certain way might be meant entirely differently by someone else.”
About the programme
To effectively manage, develop and lead others, you must first be able to manage, develop and lead yourself. Leading yourself means knowing who you are, and understanding how you behave in different interactions and situations. Developing your personal leadership style and values is a central theme throughout this programme. It offers a combination of theoretical concepts and practical exercises, and can be adapted based on participant input.
Would you like to join the Personal Leadership Skills programme?
The next programme will run from 06 – 10 October 2025. Click here for more information about the programme and how to apply.
About MSM’s Short Executive Programmes
Today’s rapidly changing societies and economies place increasing demands on organisations, leaders, managers and professionals. MSM’s Short Executive Programmes for emerging markets are designed to support the successful and sustainable transformation of both individuals and organisations, contributing to local economic development and effective business management.
Related links
A comprehensive analysis of gender dynamics in organizations: Integrating social, structural and individual dimensions
Leading Change Management successfully
Mastering Strategic Leadership: Empowering leaders from around the globe
Global Insights and Practical Skills: Reflections on MSM’s Project Management Programme
