Women in Agriculture Essential Leadership Skills Development Program

Learning objectives

By the end of the program, learners are able to:

• Apply key leadership theories and adapt styles to different situations.
• Navigate challenges unique to women leaders in agriculture, including gender bias and work-life balance.
• Communicate effectively, influence positively, and build trust within teams.
• Demonstrate emotional intelligence and manage conflicts constructively.
• Delegate, plan strategically, and foster innovation.
• Coach and mentor team members for growth and success.
• Lead inclusively and create psychologically safe work environments.

Duration

20 hours

Language and format

Delivered in English through a blended format combining online self-paced learning with live Zoom sessions.

Target audience

Women working in farming operations, agri-businesses, and agricultural associations who want to strengthen their leadership skills, coming back to workforce from maternity leave, step into leadership roles, or build confidence in managing people and teams. The program is suitable for both emerging leaders and those already in supervisory or management positions.

Teaching methods

• Self-paced e-learning modules with readings, videos, and reflection exercises
• Live Zoom sessions led by facilitator including work scenarios, and group discussions.
• Guest speaker session with women leaders in agriculture
• Practical assignments and self-reflections exercises.

Assessment and evaluation

• Participation in live sessions and discussions
• Completion of self-paced module activities
• To receive the completion certificate, participants must attend at least 70% of the live sessions.

Career or academic outcomes

Graduates of this program receive a microcredential/completion certificate from a recognized industry organization that strengthens their professional portfolio.

Participants gain skills to:

• Advance into supervisory or management roles on farms and in agri-business
• Contribute to leadership within industry associations and boards
• Pursue further leadership or management training opportunities

Practical applications

Learners can actively apply course content in their day-to-day roles on the farm or within agricultural organizations. Through group discussions and real-case scenarios, they can implement effective communication strategies, navigate workplace conflict, and use coaching techniques to support team development and performance.

Learning Content

1. Challenges women leaders face and how to navigate them

   • Gender bias
   • Imposter syndrome
   • Balancing work and family
   • Navigating work boundaries

2. Communication and influence

   • Impact of good communication​
   • Communication skills
   • 9 influence tactics and principles​​

3. Building and maintaining trust as a leader

   • What is trust and why it is important?​
   • Drivers of trust
   • Ability strategies
   • Care strategies
   • Integrity strategies

4. Emotional Intelligence

   • What is emotional intelligence and why is it important?​
   • Emotional intelligence behaviours​
   • How to build self-awareness​
   • Self-management techniques

5. Resolving conflicts

   • Impact of conflict
   • Conflict resolution styles and process​
   • Conflict examples
   • Toxic leadership

6. Delegating and planning

   • Delegating
   • Building trust and accountability in your team​
   • Planning and organizing your work​
   • Strategic thinking and strategic planning

7. Coaching for success

   • Coaching overview
   • Asking coaching questions​​
   • Coaching challenges​
   • Mentoring

8. Inclusive leadership

   • What is inclusive leadership and why is it important?​
   • What is psychological safety and how does it differ from trust?​ ​​
   • Inclusive leadership behaviours​