Leadership Lab:
Mastering Conversations for Tough Times
Hold conversations that keep your team engaged and performing ... even in uncertain times.
Next cohort begins Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 1pm.
Strong leadership isn’t just knowing what to say. It's knowing how to say it effectively, so behaviors change.
And for that, you need practice.
In this hands-on, coach-led program, you’ll practice three essential conversations every manager must master:
Weekly 1:1s to drive alignment
Early interventions to prevent performance issues
Development conversations to build engagement and growth
You’ll leave with sharper communication skills, renewed confidence, and a practical framework you can use in every conversation with your team.
When communication slips, performance follows.
As a manager, you’re the bridge between your organization’s goals and your team’s daily work.
But in times of uncertainty—tight deadlines, shifting priorities, or low morale—that bridge can start to wobble, or even collapse.
In fact, you've probably seen it happen:
A good employee disengages without warning.
A 1:1 turns into a social visit instead of a real conversation.
A small misunderstanding grows into a real problem.
You care.
And you probably know what to say. But if you're like most busy managers, you've never had a chance to practice and get expert feedback on how to hold effective, high-stakes conversations.
And just like any other skill, effective leadership conversations take repetition, feedback, and reflection to master.
That’s exactly what the Leadership Lab gives you: a safe space to rehearse high-stakes moments before they happen, so when they do, you’re ready.
A live, hands-on program where you practice real conversations that matter.
The Leadership Lab is a practical, interactive experience where you’ll practice three conversations every manager must master.
Over three weeks, you’ll meet virtually with a small group of peers and an AlexanderHancock coach who guides each session.
You’ll take turns leading realistic conversations, receive targeted feedback, and walk away with tools you can use immediately.
Here's what it looks like
Week #1
Weekly 1:1s That Align Work
Keep priorities clear, focus tight, and projects moving forward without micromanaging.
Week #2
Preventative Conversations
Address friction early—before small problems become larger performance issues.
Week #3
Development Coaching
Help team members grow and stay engaged for the long haul, especially when times are tough.
After each session, you’ll receive a recording of your practice and reflection questions to help you sharpen your skills even further.
Walk away with the confidence—and the conversations—your team needs from you.
Develop skills that immediately transform how you lead.
You’ll stop second-guessing tough moments and start handling them with clarity, calm, and credibility.
When the next challenge hits, whether it’s an underperformer, a disengaged team member, shifting goals—you’ll know exactly how to lead through it.
Run weekly 1:1s that align your team and keep everyone focused on the right priorities.
Address small issues early—before they turn into bigger headaches.
Coach and develop your people so they stay engaged, motivated, and growing.
Communicate with confidence and empathy, even under pressure.
Keep morale and performance high, even when the future feels uncertain.
These are leadership skills you can implement immediately.
Designed for managers who want to lead with clarity, confidence, and connection.
The Leadership Lab is built for managers who are in the thick of it — navigating shifting priorities, remote teams, and growing pressure to deliver results through others.
You don’t need another leadership theory. You need practice—the kind that makes your next one-on-one, feedback conversation, or coaching moment actually work.
This program is for you if you:
Lead a team and want to strengthen communication and trust.
Struggle with tough or awkward conversations and want to handle them with ease.
Want your 1:1s to be more than status updates or social visits—to actually drive performance and growth.
Need to keep your team engaged and productive when motivation dips.
Prefer practical, hands-on learning you can apply the very next day.
What's Included
Three Live 90-Minute Practice Labs
Small-group sessions (max 8 participants) led by an AlexanderHancock coach. Each session focuses on one essential leadership conversation you can use immediately.
Realistic Practice Using Your Own Scenarios
You’ll bring real challenges from your team and rehearse them—so every session applies directly to your day-to-day work.
Expert and Peer Feedback
You’ll get instant, actionable feedback from your coach and peers after every practice, helping you refine your communication and presence.
Video Recordings + Reflection Prompts
You’ll receive recordings of your practices and guided reflection questions to reinforce what you learned and accelerate growth.
Printable Conversation Tools and Checklists
Simple frameworks for 1:1s, early interventions, and development coaching—ready to use in your next real conversation.
Optional Add-On: “Coaching Difficult Employees” + 1:1 Coaching Session
For an additional $197, you can add a focused Week 4 lab on navigating difficult coaching moments—plus a private 50-minute session with your coach to prepare or debrief a real situation.
Enroll Now
You don’t need months of training to become a stronger leader—just the right kind of practice.
The Leadership Lab gives you the skills to communicate clearly, handle challenges confidently, and bring out the best in your team, no matter what’s happening around you.
35+ years helping managers lead with confidence, clarity, and results.
The Leadership Lab comes from AlexanderHancock Associates, a trusted partner to organizations across industries—from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies and nonprofits.
For nearly four decades, we’ve helped more than 4,000 managers and leaders strengthen communication, build engagement, and drive measurable business results through better conversations.
“They zero in on what actually changes behavior. My managers communicate more clearly and act faster.”
— Sheri S., EVP, Human Resources
“The practice format beats any workshop we’ve ever done. It’s practical, it sticks, and my team uses it immediately.”
— Operations Director, Global Manufacturing Firm
“AlexanderHancock doesn’t just teach theory—they help you rehearse success.”
— Senior Manager, Financial Services