PREVIEW
SHARECourse Info
7 video lessons (72 Mins)
Published
2026
Preview Course
Browse Course Chapters
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1.Introduction
1 min
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2.The Leadership Gap in Planning
12 mins
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3.Understanding The Shift From Planner to Leader
12 mins
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4.Building Credibility as an Emerging Leader
13 mins
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5.Communication & Leadership Skills That Matter Most
13 mins
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6.Developing Your Leadership Pathway
14 mins
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7.Leadership Mindset Shift
5 mins
What You Will Learn
Differentiate between technical planning roles and leadership responsibilities within planning organizations. Apply foundational leadership and communication skills to effectively collaborate with colleagues, supervisors and decision-makers. Develop a personal leadership development plan that supports long-term career advancement within the planning profession. Explain the distinctions between leadership and management, including how each function contributes to successful planning organizations. Demonstrate strategies for building credibility, trust and influence within teams, even without formal authority. Apply effective communication techniques for managing up, working across teams and engaging with elected officials and stakeholders. Identify approaches for navigating workplace dynamics, including conflict resolution, feedback and difficult conversations. Evaluate personal leadership strengths, values and growth areas to intentionally develop an authentic leadership style.Course Description
Many planners eventually transition from technical roles into positions that require leadership, supervision and strategic decision-making. However, early-career planners often receive little training on how to develop leadership skills before stepping into management roles.
This course introduces planners to the foundational skills and mindset needed to move from individual contributor to emerging leader within planning organizations.
Participants will explore how leadership differs from management, how to build credibility within teams and how planners can begin developing leadership competencies early in their careers. The course covers essential topics such as communication with supervisors and elected officials, navigating workplace dynamics, mentoring junior staff and contributing to team decision-making.
Participants will also learn strategies for cultivating executive presence, managing difficult conversations and building professional relationships that support long-term leadership growth.
Through practical exercises and reflection, planners will identify their leadership strengths and develop a roadmap for growing into future leadership roles within planning departments, consulting firms and public agencies.
By the end of the course, participants will understand how leadership skills can be developed intentionally — even early in their careers — and how planners can begin preparing themselves for management responsibilities.
Learn these skills
- Career Development
- Communications & Media
AICP CM
This course is approved for 1.25 AICP CM Credits.
