The Astute Manager Program™

The Astute Manager Program™ (AMP) is a 16-module training curriculum which may be delivered in person, in a hybrid model, or entirely virtually and asynchronously.

Angle Oak Tree of South Carolina

The Best Practices of Managerial Excellence

Tested on thousands of junior and senior executives, the AMP focuses on the identification of common, yet best practices of Managerial Excellence, as well as the development of a common and universally adoptable lexicon as to management methods and practices which all executives within an enterprise can use to achieve a common view of what excellence in management looks like, how it drives consistent behaviors, predictable outcomes, and generally higher performance across the business.  This common descriptive framework makes it easy for junior to senior executives to agree as to what poor, average, good, and great management looks like, and it forms the backbone of an effective performance management culture.

The sixteen modules of The Astute Manager™program is typically delivered over two quarters’ time, allowing for executives to put into practice what they learn online or in the classroom.  The program involves a combination of group education, break-out sessions and small-group workshops, and individual, independent study and delivery.  AMP is also licensable in a “train the trainer” mode so that general HR and Learning and Development organizations within a larger enterprise can deliver the content and training more broadly, to more trainees, over a longer period of time.

The courseware is divided into the following sections:

The Role of the Manager
Managing Time, Priorities & Work
HR 101 for Managers
Legal Considerations
MBTI Personality Types* & Communication Styles
Engaging Employees
Interviewing Basics
Managing in a Culture of Inclusion
Coaching & Developing Talent
Role of Compensation
Documentation
Reward & Recognition
Financial Acumen for Managers
Managing Conflict
Leading Effective Meetings
Managing Change

*(this assessment may be replaced with other personality assessments used by/favored by the client)

We recognize that businesses often want to capture the uniquenesses of their companies, work-styles, and cultures, and prefer to offer a company-branded training program for management training.  Using the tried-and-true AGP concepts and content, an Acorn content expert would be delighted to work with your business to develop a proprietary and branded program.

What Our Clients Have to Say

“Jessica’s sessions are grounded in structure and accountability, ensuring that I have left each one armed with a set of tools, learnings and actions.  I have been able to repeatedly apply what we’ve discussed together in practice, back in my working environment, and then reflect back on progress in our next meet.”

Lucy A., Start Up Founder, food-related services industry

“Over the past four years, Dave’s coaching and mentoring have seen me through two promotions and two significant role changes. I deeply value my relationship with Dave, who has taught me to “see myself in the room,” to honestly self-appraise and work through my limitations, keep my cool, and be a materially better colleague, manager, and leader.”

Nick V., EVP, global travel services company
“Leslie facilitated a workshop on a complex topic and made it understandable for every level of participant. She is an excellent communicator,  skilled at reading the audience and adjusting her facilitation to deliver content in a way that people understand.  Her ability to engage the participants and generate discussion leads to great understanding by all who attend the workshops.”
Jenifer W., Program Manager, higher education

“Dave has been a tremendous resource to myself and my leadership team. He weaves management consulting practices into his mentoring and coaching conversations, constantly probing and pushing us to see challenges and opportunities in new ways. He has helped us establish a common understanding of and agreement as to what great management practices and leadership principals look like, both in theory and in our day-to-day work. Our business seen significant top and bottom line improvement since Dave began working with us.”

Steve A., President, national manufacturer

“Through her coaching, Jessica enabled me to completely reframe some major challenges I had been experiencing and opened me up to a whole new raft of opportunities. Our time together was truly powerful and transformative.“

GP, CEO, creative / digital agency
“Leslie’s executive management and mentorship was invaluable to me during my mid to late 20s. Her guidance and support provided me with the direction and perspective that I needed to navigate my career path. I am deeply grateful for her insights, advice, and mentorship, which helped me grow and develop in my career. The lessons I learned from Leslie continue to influence my professional and personal life.”
Thomas C., Deputy Executive Director, Statewide political / government relations organization
“Dave’s coaching and mentoring were instrumental in helping me “re-conceive myself” in terms of my career ambitions and the behaviors and attitudes I needed to focus on in order to be seen as an executive promotable to the highest levels of a company. I value Dave’s casual but smart style: he’s a “been there, done that” kind of mentor, but he always seemed open to learning and growing right alongside me.”
Susan T., Chief Corporate Counsel, global medical device manufacturer

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