Transitioning from Functional to General Management Level
A self-paced online workshop
helping specialists become successful generalists, based on the 2×2 Shallow, Domain, Skill, and Ultra (SDSU)™ framework
Who is this workshop for?
Functional Managers (like HR, IT, Finance, Supply Chain)
preparing for or recently promoted to senior general management roles and seeking to build broader leadership capabilities
Mid-career Professionals
aiming to expand their influence and impact by transitioning from technical expertise to non-technical, cross-functional leadership
Aspiring Leaders
looking to develop a diverse skill set and adapt to the growing demands of leadership in the AI-driven business landscape
Workshop Philosophy
It's
research-backed
and it's
framework-driven
Did you know?
A lot of functional managers with technical expertise (like HR manager, IT manager, &
Finance manager) struggle when they are promoted to senior general management roles.
One of the main reasons why they fail is that they have focused on their depth rather than breadth for a long time.
This workshop helps functional executives (technical roles) transition smoothly to
the general management executive level (non-technical leadership roles).
As we progress higher in the organization, particularly in the age of AI, the demand for non-technical expertise
will be more valued (especially in terms of diversity of skills and multiplicity of industry experiences).
Workshop Journey
Learning Outcomes
Specialist to Generalist
Understand the SDSU™ Framework and its application to help you shift from a technical to a non-technical leadership level
Generalist Strengths
Identify and leverage your generalist strengths for success in the general management role
Cross-functional Challenges
Navigate cross-functional challenges with confidence and clarity
High-Impact Leadership
Develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills for high-impact leadership
Module 1: Understanding the Transition from Functional to General Management
- (video) Identify challenges faced by functional managers (technical experts)
- (video) Why do functional managers struggle in general management roles?
- (video) The shift from depth to breadth: Key mindset changes
- (activity) The increasing value of non-technical expertise in the age of AI
Module 2: Introducing the SDSU™ Framework
- (video) Overview of the Shallow, Domain, Skill, and Ultra (SDSU)™ Framework
- (video) How to identify your current quadrant in the SDSU™ matrix?
- (activity) Self-assessment to map participants’ current strengths and growth areas
- (video) Case studies of successful transitions using the SDSU™ Framework
Module 3: Developing Multiplicity of Skills and Industry Experiences
- (video) Balancing technical and non-technical leadership skills
- (video) Managing the ‘impostor syndrome’ as you broaden your domain scope
- (video) The importance of skill diversity and cross-industry exposure
- (video) Strategies to expand your skill set and adapt to new environments
- (activity) Individual action plan for building multiplicity of skills and domains
Bonus Module: Ultra Generalist Power Move!
- (video) Showcasing your newly acquired generalist skills to senior leaders
- (worksheet) Networking for building relationships across functions and industries
Workshop Outline
Workshop Faculty
Dr Mansoor Soomro
Executive Educator, Ex-Siemens, Trained 2200+ executives in the last 5 years
Dr Mansoor holds a PhD in Management. He has designed-cum-facilitated various leadership development programs for Fortune 500 companies, and is best known for his powerful (read: non-boring) executive education sessions.
He holds a strong international corporate background of working with Siemens in more than 10 countries and managing a diverse multicultural team of more than 500 executives for over 7 years. Learn more about his work: www.mansoorsoomro.com
Selected Clientele
Testimonials
What's
Included?
• Access to 3 Core Modules
• Access to Bonus Module (Ultra Generalist Power Move!)
• 30mins Live 1-2-1 Coaching with Dr Mansoor
• Completion Certificate
• Complimentary Book- The Generalist Advantage
• Extended Access to The Generalist Quotient (GQ) Self-Assessment
Get reimbursed from your employer!
Why not discuss this with your immediate manager or human resources?
Here is the email template you can use to request reimbursement from your employer.
FAQs
1) What does ‘self-paced’ mean?
This workshop is entirely self-paced, meaning you can complete it on your own schedule. You can start and stop at any time, progress at your own speed, and revisit the materials at your convenience.
2) Do I need to attend any live sessions?
No, this workshop is 100% online and pre-recorded. All lectures, activities, and worksheets are available online.
3) How can I claim 30mins live coaching session with Dr Mansoor Soomro?
On completing all 3 modules of the workshop AND taking the Generalist Quotient assessment, you can request a 30mins live 1-to-1 coaching session with Dr Mansoor, by emailing on [email protected]. In this coaching session, Mansoor will go through your GQ assessment results and help you draft your Generalist Advantage roadmap.
4) How much time will it take to complete the workshop?
This workshop can be completed in 4 weeks if you invest 2-3 hours in a week, but again valuing flexibility, it depends on how much time you dedicate each week.
5) Do I need prior work experience to take this workshop?
You must have at least 2 years of working experience (any industry, any role). Having some work experience will help you connect with workshop topics better, and relate easily to workplace challenges.
6) Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, once you complete the workshop (3 modules), you’ll receive a certificate of completion signed by Dr. Mansoor Soomro.
7) Does the workshop include a copy of The Generalist Advantage book?
Yes, you’ll receive a complimentary copy of The Generalist Advantage book to supplement your learning experience.
8) Is this workshop relevant to my career in the age of AI?
Absolutely! This workshop emphasizes the importance of non-technical leadership skills, cross-functional proficiency, and adaptability in the AI-driven business landscape.