Last week, Bidding Manager Jo Brassington completed the CMI Level 5 Leadership and Management Programme with In Professional Development (InPD). As our team grows, Jo realised that she would benefit from some formal management training for both her personal development and to support her team.

The three‑day online course explored a wide range of theories, models, and practical tools designed to help participants reflect on and enhance their leadership and management capabilities.

Throughout the programme, Jo examined how personal leadership style aligns with an organisation’s mission, vision, and values, and how effective leadership influences culture, performance, and strategic direction.

One of the most valuable insights Jo has taken from the programme is that leadership requires a blend of styles and the significant impact of emotional intelligence (EQ): around 85% of the difference between average and high performers is attributed to EQ rather than IQ.

Additional key takeaways included the distinction between sympathy and empathy, the wide-ranging benefits of empowering teams, and the unique challenges of leading remotely, where trust, culture, belonging, collaboration, and communication become even more important.

Jo will now complete written assignments based on what she has learnt. This will consist of two 3500–4000-word assignments on ‘Principles of Management and Leadership in an Organisation’ & ‘Principles of Developing, Managing and Leading Individuals and Teams to Achieve Success’

The course has given Jo a renewed sense of direction, greater self-awareness, and practical tools ready to put into action managing the Pipster Team!