Essentials for New Managers Lab

Lab Outline

Stepping into a management role requires more than technical skill — it calls for clarity, confidence, and the ability to support others effectively.

In this three-day lab, new and emerging managers gain practical tools to understand their role, build strong relationships, and lead their teams with purpose and accountability.

Through a mix of reflection, real-world scenarios, and hands-on practice, participants learn how to define their leadership approach, set and communicate priorities, delegate effectively, and create the conditions for strong performance. The lab also explores foundational strategies for motivating staff and volunteers, navigating challenging situations, and fostering environments where people feel supported, included, and able to do their best work.

By the end of the lab, participants leave with a personalized management approach, clear tools they can apply immediately, and increased confidence in leading others — no matter the size or structure of their organization.

Suggested participants:

You are an ideal candidate if you:​

• are new to a non-profit management role or are looking to be promoted in the next 6-12 months​.
• provide leadership or supervision in your current role​.
• have a vision to take on further management responsibilities in your career​.

Important note! If you are the sole employee in your organization (e.g. the executive director), this may NOT be the best program for you. We encourage you to also consider our other programs including: Leadership Principles Lab, Executive Director 101 Lab, and our many workshops.

Lab Outcomes

By the end of this lab, you will be able to:

• Develop self-awareness and learn to empower yourself and others with a strengths-based leadership approach.​
• Walk away with tangible tools and frameworks that can be applied when managing others.​
• Learn about the ways conflict can show up and how to work through it in a healthy way.​
• Think critically about what kind of culture you want to nurture for your team and organization.

Registration Details

Location: Online/Virtual​

Cost: $649 Non-member | $584 Member​

Required Course Material: Top 5 CliftonStrengths (Important note: This assessment is not included in the course fee, and is to be completed independently online before the start of the course).

Meet Our Facilitators

Howie Outerbridge

Howie has developed deep expertise in adult learning through 25 years of counselling and coaching people in a variety of settings, including private industry, human capital consulting firms, and post-secondary institutions. He is an active listener, and astute observer, and strives to be compassionately objective in his approach to working through individual and organizational issues. His engaging coaching style, diverse work/life experiences, and his ability to pair humour with cutting edge research are key aspects to his approach in supporting individuals.

Howie’s diverse work experience is one of his strengths; he has held senior leadership roles in local and national consulting firms, institutes of higher learning (SFU, UBC), and the BC Wildfire Service. This background lends itself to a hybrid coach-consultant approach – Howie strives to do more than simply pose powerful questions, he makes sure his client’s insights and needs are inspired and supported through podcasts, articles, and industry proven tools.

Howie holds a bachelor’s degree in science (kinesiology), a master’s degree in education (counselling psychology) and a doctorate in education from Simon Fraser University. He is a Registered Counsellor (CCC), a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and a member in good standing with both the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and International Coaching Federation. He is certified in the Birkman Method and the Strengths Deployment Inventory 2.0, and has taught career development and counselling theory at both SFU and UBC.

Jess McKeown

Jess is an enthusiastic leader with extensive experience in evaluation, research, and knowledge mobilization across education and social services. With a background in the sciences, an M.Ed., and formal leadership training, she creates environments where teams are empowered to think critically and creatively, turn evidence into action, and drive meaningful change through thoughtful strategy and communication.

From 2019 to 2025, Jess worked remotely for Blueprint, a Toronto-based nonprofit consultancy that helps leaders across Canada use data and evidence to tackle complex challenges. As Associate Director, she led major initiatives with the Future Skills Centre, including national research and innovation projects focused on the future of learning and work.

She is currently offering her expertise independently and volunteering her time to initiatives that strengthen leadership, learning, and organizational capacity. Jess is especially interested in connecting with organizations and individuals where her skills in evaluation, research, and knowledge mobilization can add value.

Lab Benefits

• Develop a grounded understanding of their role as a manager and how their leadership style influences team performance.
• Gain practical skills in setting priorities, delegating work, supporting performance, and addressing challenges with clarity and confidence.
• Strengthen their ability to motivate and engage staff and volunteers by aligning strengths, fostering inclusion, and creating supportive team environments.

Lab Topics

Topics of each of the 3 half-day learning session.

• Understanding your role as a manager and your personal leadership strengths
• Setting priorities, building work plans, and aligning team goals
• Effective delegation, motivation, and performance management
• Supporting team performance, navigating challenges, and fostering inclusion