Leadership development
for supervisors and managers

Our cohort-based program equips emerging leaders with the confidence, skills, and support they need to lead effectively in today’s workspace.


executive summary

a unique and holistic approach to growing leaders

75-90% of leadership teams are either supervisors or managers

Unfortunately, we tend to allocate our resources and development efforts to higher-level leaders.

This specialized program boasts a small, close-knit cohort that meets weekly over the course of 10 months. It’s unlike any other leadership program that you’ll find online.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH

The 10-month program includes 1:1 high-touch executive coaching, real-time and 360 feedback, routine assessments, mentorship sessions, and more.

  • 10 month program; this experience is designed to be comprehensive, introspective, and transformative

  • Small, close-knit cohort of 12-15 professionals with access to a community of their peers

  • Monthly 4-hr intensive Zoom sessions with executive coaching and break out groups

  • Certification

About Crucial Leaders

At Crucial Leaders, we don’t see leadership development as a quick event or a 3-day workshop. We see it as a journey of growth. Leadership takes time, practice, reflection, and support — and our Supervisor Leadership Development Program (SLDP) is designed with that philosophy at its core.

What makes SLDP unique?

  • Learning as a process, not an event. Our program runs over 10 months, with 9 immersive, 4-hour sessions that build knowledge and skills in a sustained, practical way.

  • Early access to advanced tools. While many organizations reserve 360 assessments for directors or executives, we provide 360s, TKI, and EQ-i 2.0 assessments to supervisors and managers early in their journey, helping them develop self-awareness and clarity from the start.

  • Personalized coaching. Each participant receives two one-on-one coaching sessions to turn insights into meaningful action.

  • Structured mentoring. We connect learners with mentors for accountability, guidance, and real-world application.

  • Ongoing peer learning. Monthly discussion board conversations keep participants engaged between sessions, creating a supportive learning community.

Why this matters

True leadership development happens when knowledge is paired with action, reflection, and accountability. The SLDP integrates all of these elements — training, assessments, coaching, mentoring, and peer dialogue — into one cohesive program. The result is a transformational experience that equips supervisors and managers to lead confidently, build trust, and drive engagement in your organization.

ABOUT STEVE

With over 25 years of experience and a doctorate in organizational leadership, I’ve learned one truth: leadership development is not an event, it’s a process. Quick workshops can’t prepare supervisors for the real demands of leadership. The cost of poor leadership is high — in engagement, in attrition, and in lost talent. That’s why I built the SLDP: a proven, long-term approach to growing leaders who last.

Learn more about Steve and Crucial Leaders

The SLDP

The Supervisory leadership development program (SLDP)

Level up your leadership skills through a comprehensive program designed for supervisors and managers, equipping you with essential tools for effective team management and mentoring.

The word "mentor" originates from ancient Greek mythology, specifically from Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, where Odysseus entrusted his son, Telemachus, to the care of his wise and trusted friend, Mentor.

This program is unlike any that you’ll find online. It’s a 10-month journey that will see your employees unlearning what doesn’t serve them, learning and shaping their leadership style, and transforming into a capable leaders through community, mentorship, and high-touch executive coaching.

Learn more about the SLDP

  • Crucial Leaders provides effective, practical and timely training to supervisors regardless of industry or prior supervisory knowledge and experience. The Supervisory Leadership Development Program is applied wisdom that translates into stronger, effective supervisors resulting in stronger teams.

    Dr. John Emmart, CHRO

  • Working with Crucial Leaders has been a transformative experience. Their leadership development programs are not only insightful but deeply practical —designed to empower individuals at every level to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Dr. Firmand brings a rare combination of expertise and empathy, creating a space where real growth happens. Crucial Leaders provides the tools to help your teams become more aligned, resilient, and equipped to navigate complex challenges. If you're serious about cultivating strong, values-driven leadership, CrucialLeaders.com is the partner you want by your side.

    Ric Ybarra, Sr Manager, Outreach

    USS FEI WFS