- IMD Business School
General Management

Management Training Programs: develop your fundamental leadership skills

Last update: August 2025

What can management training programs offer?

Management training programs help business executives build valuable skills, to leverage new opportunities and creating exceptional value in their organization.

IMD business school offers several management training programs for every level of management, from high-potential young managers up to CEOs and board members. The latter may seem a surprise: surely those at the top already know how to run a business? However, far from sitting back on their laurels, the most successful senior executives embrace the opportunity to keep up-to-date and ensure continued high-impact performance.

A CEO training program can provide executives with a fresh perspective on broader economic and societal issues and help them to identify game-changing market moves.

As one of the top business schools in the world, IMD has a deep understanding of executive education needs. That’s why we offer specific management training programs addressing strategic challenges and issues faced by executives and managers at every level.

 - IMD Business School

Career stages for management training programs

Key points where management training programs can boost your performance include:

  • Early career: Young, ambitious managers with 5-10 years of business experience can prepare for greater responsibility through project management training, corporate training in different business functions, and managerial training 
  • Mid-career: Business management training can help experienced functional managers prepare for general management positions. Business development training builds skills for developing and implementing strategies, while general management training courses provide essential skills for managing across functions. A leadership development program is also helpful for honing “soft” leadership skills, such as conflict resolution skills, negotiation skills, and skills for effectively motiving, inspiring and leading others. This career stage is also a good time to consider business management degrees.
  • Top level: Senior executives and CEOs benefit from training programs – and board member training is also essential for company success. Corporate governance courses, for example, can help board members to better manage risk, identify the right business opportunities and meet the challenges of the business environment of today and tomorrow.
  • When facing specific challenges: Another time to consider management training programs is when facing a particular business challenge. This could include building a business development strategy, financial issues such as mergers and acquisitions, or improving sustainability. You’ll gain the most from management training programs that focus on sharpening skills related to your challenge – and which allow you to work on your challenge during the program.

IMD business school is an independent academic institute with close ties to business and a strong focus on impact. Through our world-leading Executive EducationMaster of Business Administration (MBA)Executive MBA, and Solutions for Organizations we help leaders and policy-makers navigate complexity and change. Here at IMD, you can develop your strategic thinking skills by learning alongside senior leaders from around the world – set against the inspiring backdrop of the Swiss Alps.