When a business invests in training, they improve their operations and empower their people. That’s the philosophy and impact behind Frontline Leadership, a program designed to help mid-level managers be great leaders.
Offered by Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), this microcredential program can be structured as a five-week intensive or a ten-week series, and it goes beyond traditional PowerPoint presentations and dry lectures. Instead, it’s interactive, discussion-driven, and built around real-world workplace challenges.
“The materials might look dry on paper, but the experience isn’t,” said program facilitator Jessica Fah, who brings a deep background in workforce development and training. “I start every session by asking, ‘Who thought this was going to be a really boring three hours?’ And there’s always at least one person who admits it. But my approach is different.”
Leadership lessons are taught through give-and-take and share-and-support discussions and reinforced through activities, like a Tinker Toy building competition. “Because there is no way you can talk about team building by clicking through a presentation,” Fah said.
There are 10 training modules, and each focus on a different topic. The sessions are structured, but not rigid— if participants mention a pressing workplace issue, the conversation shifts to address it.
“For example, I had a woman who was frustrated because her company was making decisions about cell phone use without including the people affected,” Fah said. “She was fired up, and I paused the class to address it. That’s how I run things—it’s about engaging with real issues in the workplace.”
Many people were raised in work environments where managers told employees to “suck it up” and figure it out. Then there was a shift where people were encouraged to “just take a moment and collect yourself,” Fah said.
“The reality is, we need a middle ground. Frontline Leadership does a great job of helping managers balance accountability and support. It also affirms what many of them are already doing well,” she said.
EICC offers Frontline Leadership two ways: customized training for businesses or an open-enrollment course where employees from different companies come together. The latter option gives a unique opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and perspectives with professionals from other industries.
“The real strength of these sessions is the diversity of thought. Employees share insights on recognition, communication, discipline, and other key workplace topics. It’s powerful to watch professionals from varied backgrounds come together and learn from one another. It makes the experience richer for everyone involved,” Fah said.
For businesses, investing in leadership development pays off. It strengthens teams, reduces turnover, and creates a more positive work environment.
“There’s nothing but benefit,” Fah said. “Whether it’s someone fresh out of school or someone who’s been in the field for years, this training helps. If they take just one small thing from these sessions and apply it, that’s a win.”
Companies concerned about time or budget have options. EICC’s Business Solutions staff can identify training needs and if they qualify for a state grant or bond to cover the cost. “If a company doesn’t have time for the full program or can’t afford everything, we help them prioritize,” Fah said.
Individual training sessions can be purchased separately, like the module on effective communication. “It teaches people to be precise in their directions and aware of potential misunderstandings. By recognizing how we communicate, we can prevent confusion, wasted time, and costly mistakes,” Fah said.
The best indicator of success is when businesses continue to send employees, she said. And they do. Past participants have also messaged Fah directly to tell her how they’ve applied what they learned.
At its core, Frontline Leadership isn’t reinventing the wheel— it’s focused on practical tools participants can use in their own workplaces. “It strengthens whatever your company’s focus is, your personality, your leadership style. There’s so much room to maneuver. I wish more people took advantage of this training,” she said.
“If you took something like this eight years ago, you haven’t taken this,” Fah said. “I’ve had people say, ‘I took a course like this one awhile back, and this is completely different.’ It’s an environment and an experience—it’s not just a ten-session course.”