The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber’s inaugural Management Accelerator program wrapped up this fall with outstanding results, earning an exceptional Net Promoter Score of 93 from participants who completed the three-session leadership development experience.
Delivered in partnership with Lake Michigan College and facilitated by Kim Kavala of Legata Leadership Solutions, the program brought together 17 managers, supervisors, and business owners for intensive full-day sessions focused on one critical goal: strengthening their ability to lead people effectively.
Real Skills, Real Results
The results speak for themselves. Participants reported meaningful improvement across every area surveyed, with the most significant gains showing up in goal-setting, feedback delivery, conflict management, and decision-making.
“The Management Accelerator program equipped me with essential and practical skills to manage a team effectively,” said graduate Luke Jeffries. “Core responsibilities like interviewing, giving feedback, conducting performance reviews, and navigating conflict are often expected of managers but rarely taught well. This program filled that gap.”
The curriculum covered everything from understanding personality assessments and building trust to mastering difficult conversations and juggling competing priorities. Each participant completed a Hogan Insights assessment and received one-on-one coaching to help translate those insights into real-world action.
Practical Application
Makes A Difference
What made the program particularly valuable was its focus on practical application. Graduates consistently praised the interactive format and relevant content that reflected actual workplace challenges they face daily.
“Exceptional, tangible information and scenarios that you can apply today,” said graduate Martha McGowan. Another participant noted, “10 out of 10 for the Management Accelerator. As a manager, all of the discussions helped me gain more insight into being better and continuing to develop my skills.”
Perhaps most telling, when asked what they’re doing differently as a result of the program, graduates overwhelmingly cited delegating more effectively, providing regular feedback, and explaining the “why” behind decisions to their teams.
What’s Next
With such strong results from the first cohort, the Chamber plans to offer Management Accelerator again in 2026. Business owners and managers interested in developing their leadership capabilities can visit smrchamber.com/management-accelerator for information on upcoming sessions.
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