CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Programme
Course Overview
As a senior leader, you’re expected to set direction, guide your organisation through uncertainty and get the best from your people. This course gives you the knowledge, insight and skills to do that well.
You’ll explore strategic leadership, organisational culture, decision-making, and how to build high-performing teams. We combine current leadership thinking with real-world practice, where you can apply what you learn straight to the challenges your organisation faces.
You’ll learn through workshops, case studies and coaching activities, with time to reflect on your own leadership. Alongside the workshops, you’ll have support from your Programme Director, online assessment clinics and your peers. Your learning carries on well beyond the classroom.
The programme is best suited for senior managers, directors and owners. Learners will typically have substantial management or leadership experience and be looking to develop a more strategic perspective, strengthen their leadership approach and increase their influence across their organisation.
At a glance
We’ll start with an introduction to the qualification and how you’ll be assessed. Then you’ll look at your organisation’s purpose, vision, structure and governance. You’ll also explore the role of the strategic leader, using tools such as McKinsey 7S, VMOST, SWOT and STEEPLE to analyse your organisation. Then you’ll apply strategic thinking to real scenarios.
This day focuses on how you lead. You’ll explore authentic, transformational and ethical leadership. You’ll also look at the role of emotional intelligence and values, and practise your coaching skills. Then you’ll learn how to lead in unpredictable environments, using the VUCA and BANI models. You’ll finish by applying change management frameworks to your own role.
You’ll look at how culture affects performance, and use the Cultural Web and the Competing Values Framework to analyse culture in your own organisation. We’ll cover how to build effective people strategies, with a focus on inclusion, engagement and wellbeing. You’ll also explore how to motivate your people and keep talented team members.
The final day is about putting it all into action. You’ll explore the GROW, OSCAR and CREATE coaching and mentoring models. You’ll also learn how to use Appreciative Inquiry to support organisational development. Then you’ll work through real workplace challenges in group strategy workshops. We’ll guide you through your assignment, the assessment criteria and academic referencing. Lastly, you'll leave with a personal action plan for your ongoing development.
The programme will develop confident, capable and reflective strategic leaders who can translate organisational ambitions into leadership practice and measurable improvements in performance.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- understand what shapes your organisation’s strategic direction
- apply different leadership styles to achieve your goals
- lead change and make informed decisions in uncertain times
- build, develop and motivate high-performing teams
- understand how culture, inclusion and wellbeing support long-term success
- use coaching and mentoring to improve performance
- reflect on your strengths and areas for development as a leader
- turn what you’ve learned into a practical plan for your workplace
The CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is designed for experienced managers and professionals who operate, or aspire to operate, at a senior strategic level within their organisation.
It is best suited to individuals who have responsibility for organisational direction, strategic decision-making, people management, business performance or leading significant organisational change.
Upon completion of this course, you will be required to complete 2 assignments to secure the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. The accreditation gives you broader knowledge of effective management skills while focusing on the specific management areas appropriate to you and your workplace.