Leadership Starter Kit For brand-new or “accidental” people leaders ready to step into their role with confidence.

Leadership is not about the job title—it’s about the people you guide.

For brand-new or people leaders, the first days and weeks can feel overwhelming: you’re responsible for results, but even more importantly, you’re responsible for shaping the experiences, engagement, and growth of your team members. This kit focuses on the people-centered essentials of leadership: building trust, creating psychological safety, facilitating meaningful conversations, empowering your team, and cultivating a culture where everyone can thrive. It’s designed to help you step confidently into your new role, establish effective routines, and positively impact your team from day one. Each tool, template, and prompt has been chosen to simplify decision-making, reduce overwhelm, and accelerate your growth as a leader—without relying on heavy strategic frameworks. Whether you’re learning how to hold your first 1:1, give constructive feedback, manage team dynamics, or build a consistent leadership rhythm, this kit equips you with practical, human-focused approaches that get results.

1

Foundations of Psychological Safety

● Team Norms Template – Co-create agreements like “assume positive intent” and “fail forward.”

● Leader Reflection Journal – Weekly prompts such as “What did I do this week that made it safe for someone to share?”

● Conversation Starter Cards – Fast prompts for check-ins, e.g., “What do you need from me this week?”

2

Building Trust Through Behavior

● Trust Triangle Tool – Track how often you model empathy, reliability, and transparency.

● 1:1 Agenda Guide – Structure listening-first conversations with your direct reports.

● Micro-Commitment Tracker – A simple one-pager to record promises and follow through consistently.

3

Empowering Your Team

● Delegation Quick Sheet – Clarify expectations, define success, and agree on check-in points.

● Strength-Spotting Worksheet – Note each team member’s strengths and align tasks to their skills.

● Empowerment Checklist – Weekly prompts: “Did I invite input? Allow initiative? Recognize effort?”

4

Embracing Diversity & Inclusion

● Inclusive Meeting Template – Rotate facilitation, pause for reflection, and assign a note-taker to ensure all voices are heard.

● Bias Reflection Prompts – Quick scenario questions like: “Whose perspective haven’t I included today?”

● Team Story Exercise – Invite each member to share a personal value or experience that shapes how they work together.

5

Communication & Dialogue

● SBI Feedback Card – Use the Situation–Behavior–Impact model to give constructive and positive feedback.

● Conflict-to-Clarity Framework – Pause → Ask “Help me understand your perspective” → Co-create a path forward.

● Recognition Notes – Fill-in-the-blank templates for celebrating wins authentically.

6

Sustaining a Safe, Inclusive Culture

● Pulse-Check Survey (5 Questions) – Monthly questions like “Do you feel safe sharing ideas?” and “Are your contributions seen?”

● Stop-Start-Continue Retro Template – Simple tool for reflecting on what to keep, change, or stop as a team.

● Leader’s Growth Habit – Weekly journaling prompt: “What did I learn about my team? What will I try differently next week?”

7

Real-Time Feedback & Facilitation Tools

● “In-the-Moment” Feedback Script – “Here’s what I noticed… Here’s the impact…”

● Meeting Debrief Prompt – Wrap up with: “What worked well? What could we try differently next time?”

● Feedback Culture Poster – One-pager with team-agreed phrases for giving and receiving feedback.

8

Culture-Building Templates

● Strengths Wall – Digital or physical space where team members post their strengths and skills.

● Shared Purpose Canvas – Template to co-create team “why,” values, and cultural commitments.

● Recognition Rituals Toolkit – Ideas for consistent celebrations like weekly shout-outs or peer kudos.

9

Leadership Cadence for New Leaders

● Weekly Rhythm Planner – Map recurring touchpoints (1:1s, team huddles, check-ins).

Leader’s Rituals Checklist – Daily behaviors like greeting the team, following through, asking curiosity questions.

● Growth Time Blocker – Reserve 15 minutes weekly for reflection, journaling, or preparing coaching conversations.

If you are interested in taking a deeper dive we invite you to book a leadership strategy session to learn more about our Leadership Fundamentals program visit www.feminineinspiredleadership.ca or email [email protected]

Leadership isn’t a title — it’s a daily decision.

"A feminine-inspired leadership style doesn’t just solve problems—it creates a culture where teams are equipped with the skills to navigate change and resolve the toughest challenges together!”
- Nicole van Kuppeveld

© 2025 | Organizations by Design Inc.