Developing Effective Management Skills in Publishing
Managing individuals or leading a team or project in publishing is challenging and exciting. It requires a different kind of relationship with colleagues and new skills. Learning about the most effective behaviours you can use when you are in charge at any level, and the ineffective behaviours you can easily fall into, provides a blueprint for successful navigation of the many situations which may arise.
This course will relate to a range of management and leadership models and theories. Its main focus is to provide understanding and practice in the key behaviours to be effective, using the Functional Fluency model. It describes:
- four “Purple Pitfall” behaviours – reactions to emotion and old habits
- five “Golden” behaviours – responses that take account of the reality of the situation
- how to move from ineffective to effective behaviours.
Throughout the course we will apply this learning to management topics, tasks and scenarios, including your own situations. It will consist of a mixture of theory, activities, quizzes and discussion in small groups and the whole group.
Who is it for?
- Those with line-management responsibility, team leaders, project leaders in publishing at all levels and experience.
- Anyone moving into a management role for the first time.
What will you achieve?
On completing this course you’ll be able to:
- identify effective behaviours to use when:
- running meetings
- having difficult conversations
- problem solving
- delegating to others
- motivating and engaging others
- managing change
- working with uncertainty
- recognise how you can move between ineffective and effective behaviours
- work on your self-management and build your personal resilience
- relate your learning to your specific personal objectives
Programme
Day 1
- Your personal objectives
- The role of a manager
- The Functional Fluency model and how you can use it to be more effective at work
- Key aspects of ‘Being in Charge’ – what are the behaviours which help or hinder us in building successful relationships?
- Key aspects of ‘Relating to Others’ – what helps or hinders collaboration?
- Reality assessment and the wider perspective
- Managing meetings
Day 2
- The role of self-management and emotional intelligence
- Developing management styles and recognising when to apply them
- What is performance management?
- Giving feedback and problem solving
- Exploration and practice of own scenarios or those provided
- Revisiting personal objectives
What is included?
Certificate
Upon successfully completing the course you will receive a completion certificate from PTC.
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) points
Completing this course is worth 3 points towards upgrading your CIEP membership.
Delegate feedback
“I enjoyed the course. There was a good balance between formal teaching, group discussion and breakout rooms. I now have a model of behaviour to inform inter-human interactions in future (both professional and personal).” Content Manager, Cambridge University Press and Assessment
“The tutors and the group of participants were great. I’ve learned ways to frame my thinking, and what traits I should keep in mind in my management role.” Executive Publisher, Canelo
“The tutors were engaging and knowledgeable. There was a good balance between speaking and interaction with the other group members. It was really insightful sharing the experiences and situations of the other participants. It was also friendly and supportive which made it easier to speak openly. I’ve gained reassurance and more confidence in my ability to manage effectively and tools I can use to improve.” Class Professional Publishing delegate
“The trainers were engaging, friendly and made me feel at ease and supported. I particularly enjoyed the breakout sessions – it was helpful and reassuring to have discussions with my peers and share experiences and advice. I’ve gained confidence and tools to have productive conversations with my report that I previously didn't know how to navigate.” Witherby Publishing Group delegate
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I found the teaching style really effective and I’ve gained confidence in my managing abilities.” Senior Editor, Class Professional Publishing
“The course was enjoyable and the trainers and group were friendly and energising. I am more aware of the questions I can ask my report so I can better support and empower them.” IWA Publishing delegate
About the tutor
Valerie Fawcett worked in publishing for 15 years, as an editor in educational publishing at Oxford University Press and a commissioning editor at Blackwell’s. Now a learning and development consultant, she specialises in training in people management and personal development to enable change.
Rona Rowe is a leadership coach, learning facilitator and management trainer. She has worked in and trained many different types of organisation, including Oxford Brookes University, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford University Press.
Dates
Tuesday, 01 July 2025
Tuesday, 04 November 2025
Date information for future sessions
July 2025
- Dates: 1 & 3 July
- Times: Each session will run from 9.00am to 12.30pm
- Trainer: Rona Rowe
November
- Dates: 4 & 11 November
- Times: Each session will run from 9.00am to 12.30pm
- Trainer: Valerie Fawcett
Course format
- Virtual classroom
- 9am to 12.30pm
- Four x 1.5 hour sessions plus breaks, comprising two half-day sessions on two days of the same week
A number of discounts are available
What you will need
To join the course, you will need access to a computer, tablet or laptop with a camera and microphone. You will need to activate a free Zoom account to join the course. This takes two minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes.