# FPM 134: Fundamentals of Leading Projects and Programs Course

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/fpm-134-fundamentals-of-leading-projects-and-programs>

## Overview

This course builds the leadership and interpersonal skills new federal project and program managers needing to move from individual contributor to effective team leader. It focuses on core competencies such as clear communication, influencing without authority, team building, accountability, and ethical decision-making, showing how leadership directly affects team performance and project outcomes.

Students also learn strategies for managing conflict and change, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and maintaining customer focus in government environments. By the end, participants understand their leadership strengths and have practical tools to motivate teams, navigate challenges, and lead with integrity, aligned to the leadership component of FAC-P/PM Entry-Level training.

## What you'll learn

- Define the project manager’s leadership role and demonstrate behaviors that foster trust and ethics.
- Set expectations and hold team members accountable using clear goals and feedback techniques.
- Identify conflict sources and apply the appropriate TKI conflict mode to resolve issues constructively.
- Communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders and align team efforts to customer and stakeholder needs.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Leadership and the Project Manager

- Distinguish between managing processes and leading people.
- Identify traits and behaviors of effective project leaders.
- Apply emotional intelligence principles to build team trust and motivation.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in leadership decisions.

#### Module 2: Fostering Accountability

- Set clear, measurable performance expectations for team members.
- Use coaching and feedback techniques to reinforce accountability.
- Recognize and address underperformance constructively.
- Create a team culture of ownership and mutual responsibility.

#### Module 3: Building Relationships, Solving Problems, and Managing Conflict

- Identify sources of conflict in project environments.
- Apply the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) to manage conflict effectively.
- Use collaborative problem-solving techniques to reach win–win outcomes.
- Strengthen team relationships through trust and communication.

#### Module 4: Leadership and Communication

- Communicate clearly and persuasively with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Adapt messages and mediums for different audiences (executives, team, customers).
- Practice active listening and constructive feedback in project settings.
- Develop communication plans that promote transparency and alignment.

#### Module 5: Serving the Acquisition Customer

- Define who the “customer” is in a federal acquisition context.
- Align project outputs and team priorities with customer and mission needs.
- Balance stakeholder interests while upholding fairness and procurement integrity.
- Demonstrate commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical decision-making.

## Schedule
- Oct 5, 2026 – Oct 6, 2026 — Live Online
- Dec 3, 2026 – Dec 4, 2026 — Live Online

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1769