Foundations of Leadership Program
NHPA offers three course options to help managers understand key concepts of leadership and personal development. Each course offers industry-specific training for effective communication, problem-solving , team building and developing financial management skills. These nine-week courses are delivered online and built with flexibility for busy schedules.
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Course Options
NHPA offers three online courses to help new or seasoned managers improve leadership skills. Each course focuses on critical aspects of becoming a successful leader.
Intro to Leadership
In this introductory course students will learn about their unique leadership style and strengths that will provide a framework for their ongoing leadership growth and career development needs.
Leading Your Team
This course teaches students the critical components of building and leading a team, including communication skills, conflict management, talent development and ongoing performance management.
Financial Management
Students will focus on the key financial management skills that developing leaders need to manage the financial side of business, including the basics of expense control, budgeting and benchmarking.
Learn More About Each Course
This Learning Guide provides an in-depth overview of each course, including full course descriptions, modules covered and key takeaways associated with each class.
Application Deadlines and Course Dates
Session 1
Application Deadline: Feb. 8
Orientation Call: Feb. 8-12
Online Sessions + Capstone: Feb. 15-April 18
Closing Call: April 19-23
Session 2
Application Deadline: July 30
Orientation Call: Aug. 2-6
Online Sessions + Capstone: Aug. 9-Oct. 3
Closing Call: Oct. 4-8
Session 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Orientation Call: May 10-14
Online Sessions + Capstone: May 17-July 16
Closing Call: July 19-23
Session 2
Application Deadline: Oct. 8
Orientation Call: Oct. 11-15
Online Sessions + Capstone: Oct. 18-Dec. 17
Closing Call: Dec. 20-31
Session 1
Application Deadline: July 30
Orientation Call: Aug. 2-6
Online Sessions + Capstone: Aug. 9-Oct. 3
Closing Call: Oct. 4-8
Session 2
Application Deadline: Oct. 8
Orientation Call: Oct. 11-15
Online Sessions: Oct. 18-Dec. 5
Capstone Assignment: 6-17
Closing Call: Dec. 20-31
Developed With Retailers in Mind
Each module is structured to provide students with flexibility while maintaining a positive work/life balance.
Courses were designed to help students experience a sense of community by connecting with students and instructors.
Core instructional videos within the curriculum are presented by top Ball State University instructors specializing in leadership development and entrepreneurship as well as industry experts in financial management. NHPA Instructors will also engage students throughout the course and make sure they understand and stay up with the curriculum.
This program was developed with input and guidance from leading independent home improvement retailers, including Aubuchon Hardware, Buchheit, Friedman’s Home Improvement, Foxworth-Galbraith, Jerry’s Home Improvement, Sunshine Ace and Wilco Stores. It is designed to meet the specific needs of leadership development within the industry.
Each student will be assigned a mentor within their company to guide them through the learning process. Mentors are provided with discussion points, learning objectives and full access to the curriculum to help engage students in how to apply what they have learned.
At the conclusion of each course, students will be ready to perform a subjective assessment of their business unit and apply their new skills to address some of the core issues in the business and recommendations for improvement in key areas.
Click here to watch a final project video from a recent graduate.
When students complete all three Foundations of Leadership courses they are eligible to receive a scholarship for the amount of tuition paid (minus course fees) to attend a future class of the NHPA Retail Management Certification Program. Contact Scott Wright at NHPA for more details at swright@yournhpa.org.
Contact Us
Scott Wright, Executive Director – Retail Leadership Institute
317-441-4136, or swright@YourNHPA.org
Apply Online
To review admission requirements or apply for an upcoming session click here.
About the Program
The NHPA Foundations of Leadership Program was developed in conjunction with a consortium of leading home improvement retailers and Ball State University’s Institute for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise.
