Organizations are increasingly demanding facilitated learning experiences that allow managers to practise judgement, communication, and leadership skills. In response, Mindtools Kineo is launching its Manager Skills Workshops,delivered virtually, in person, or as part of a blended programme. These workshops complement digital and AI-enabled learning experiences by embedding insight, application, and accountability into manager skills development.
Shabnam Shahani, CEO of Mindtools Kineo, says:
‘The need for organizations to build skills at speed and scale remains central to modern workforce development, and AI and digital learning play a critical role in making that possible. But what we’re also seeing now is demand for a more blended approach, where data, technology and human-led skills development work together.
Managers need digital support to build their knowledge and facilitated spaces to practice leadership behaviours in real situations. Organizations also need insight into their managers’ capabilities. These workshops reflect that balance, combining assessment, insights and instructor-led skills development to drive meaningful, measurable behaviour change.’
Turning manager skills insights into practical, measurable change
The programme begins with Mindtools Kineo’s scientifically validated Manager Skills Assessment (MSA). This provides individuals and organizations with a clear picture of strengths and development priorities at both individual and cohort levels. Assessment results are used to tailor skills development pathways, enabling participants to select workshops aligned to their specific needs, rather than following a one-size-fits-all programme.
Ross Garner, Chief Learning Officer at Mindtools Kineo, says:
‘Our goal is to solve the real frustrations organizations have with management training – generic content, low engagement, and limited evidence of impact. By starting with assessment data, managers can focus on the skills that matter most to their role and context. These workshops are about changing behaviour, not ticking a completion box, and about being able to evidence that change through on-going feedback and post-programme measurement.’
The modular programme comprises 12 interactive workshops aligned to the 12 core capabilities assessed in the Manager Skills Assessment. Workshops are grouped across four capability areas: Leadership Skills, Communication and Influence, Team and Culture, and Custom Needs, allowing organizations to tailor programmes to their priorities, frameworks, and culture.
Each 90-minute workshop is practical and interactive, built around real work scenarios, role plays, and live projects. Participants apply learning directly to an on-going work project and receive peer feedback as they progress, with optional senior leader involvement.
Impact is tracked through post-programme assessments and feedback, providing organizations with quantitative and qualitative insight into skills development, behaviour change, and leadership effectiveness.
By blending data-driven insight with facilitated, human-centred skills development, Mindtools Kineo aims to help organizations build confident, capable managers who can lead teams effectively in fast-changing environments.
About Mindtools Kineo
Mindtools, a global management and leadership skills development provider, acquired Kineo, a global provider of workplace learning solutions, from City & Guilds in May 2025. The combined organization, moving forward under the name Mindtools Kineo, brings together the strengths and reputations of both companies.
Mindtools Kineo’s vision is to be the leading global partner for driving organizational capability that is underpinned by a skilled, high-performing workforce. Its mission is to combine behavioural science with scalable technology to equip organizations for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
