A practical introduction to leading people

Fictional Northstar program overview

This example program is for employees preparing for a first leadership role or building confidence in a new one. It focuses on everyday work: setting expectations, communicating clearly, supporting team problem-solving, and knowing when to ask for help.

This example does not set Northstar eligibility, selection rules, or a promotion pathway. Confirm those details with the program owner before publishing. Participants should continue to use Northstar’s existing safety, people, and operational procedures; this learning example does not replace them.

Northstar’s Training app is the intended place for assigned learning and program materials once the relevant content has been connected and published.

Example learning themes

These topics are illustrative, not a confirmed curriculum.

Practice

Set direction and follow through

Turn a priority into clear actions, owners, and check-in points that make sense for the team’s work.

  • State what needs to be done and why.
  • Agree who owns each action and when to check progress.
Practice

Support useful conversations

Prepare for one-to-one and team conversations that make room for questions and specific next steps.

  • Ask a focused question and listen without interrupting.
  • Summarize the agreed action and follow-up time.
Practice

Handle decisions and handoffs

Recognize what can be decided within the role and what needs a policy, subject-matter, or manager check.

  • Check the relevant procedure before giving an answer.
  • Pass unresolved issues to the confirmed owner with the facts already gathered.

A sample participant journey

Illustrative sequence only; Northstar should confirm actual program stages and timing.

  1. 1

    Review the program information

    Read the confirmed audience, eligibility, time commitment, and application details before deciding whether to apply.

  2. 2

    Join a cohort

    If selected through Northstar’s confirmed process, check cohort dates and participation expectations with the program owner.

  3. 3

    Complete learning and practice

    Use Training for assigned materials when available, then try agreed practices in appropriate day-to-day work.

  4. 4

    Review progress and next steps

    Discuss learning, outstanding questions, and follow-up with the confirmed program contact. Participation does not guarantee a role change.

Where learning lives

Northstar uses Training for learning content.

Open Training to find assigned program learning after Northstar connects and publishes the content.

If an expected item is missing, contact the program owner through Northstar’s confirmed help route.

The program owner should confirm which courses, materials, and assignments are available in Training.