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:

  • 4 “Purple Pitfall” behaviours – reactions to emotion and old habits
  • 5 “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?

Ideal for those with management responsibility in publishing at all levels and experience, including:

  • first-time managers
  • line managers
  • project leaders
  • team leaders.

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

Next session

4 & 11 November 2025

Price

£360 + VAT

A number of discounts are available

Course format

  • Virtual classroom
  • 9.00am to 12.30pm 
  • 4 x 1½-hour sessions, split across 2 half days, 1 week apart

Date information for future sessions

October 2025

  • Dates: 4 & 11 November 
  • Times: Each session will run from 9.00am to 12.30pm 
  • Trainer: Valerie Fawcett

March 2026

  • Dates: 3 & 5 March 
  • Times: Each session will run from 9.00am to 12.30pm 

June 2026

  • Dates: 30 June & 2 July 
  • Times: Each session will run from 9.00am to 12.30pm 

November 2026

  • Dates: 3 & 5 November 
  • Times: Each session will run from 9.00am to 12.30pm 

    What you will need

    To join the course, you will need access to a computer or laptop with a camera and microphone. You will need to activate a free Zoom account to join the course. This takes 2 minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes.

    Enrol on this course

    How the course is delivered

    The course consists of 4 x 1½-hour sessions, each a mixture of delivery and interaction using Zoom breakout rooms and other online tools. Each session is a mixture of delivery and interaction using Zoom breakout rooms and other online tools. There will be 15-minute breaks between sessions with the opportunity to do exercises and take a break. The course will run on the same day across 2 weeks, split into 2 x ½-day sessions in the morning from 9.00am to 12.30pm.

    You will need to activate a free Zoom account to join the course. This takes 2 minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes.

    Any information to be completed beforehand will be sent via email.

    Accessibility

    Please contact us at with any accessibility or special requirements, for example having in-session captions or the learning materials sent to you in advance.

    If you have any concerns about technical requirements or access please contact us on or telephone +44 (0)20 8874 2718.

    In-company training

    This course is also available for in-company training, either virtually or in person at your office. Course content is tailored to suit your requirements. Group sizes range from 5 to 12 attendees. To find out more, email or telephone +44 (0)20 8874 2718.

    What is included?

    Certificate

    Upon successfully completing the course you will receive a completion certificate from the 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(s)

    valerie fawcettValerie 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 roweRona 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.

     

     

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