The University of Tennessee's management training and development efforts are described. The program is designed to improve the performance of academic and nonacademic department heads (middle managers) and includes an 8-day workshop called the Institute for Leadership Effectiveness. In addition to the attention given to the formation of networks, the institute seeks to give participants information about themselves, their institution, and the external environment in which the university must operate. Participants complete self-assessment instruments that provide insight into their communication, leadership, and conflict-handling styles. They are given the opportunity to exchange views with state legislators, top university officials, and recognized leaders in higher education. Participants are exposed to a variety of reading materials, and case studies enable them to examine pertinent higher education issues. Attention is directed to the uncertainties of the leadership task, the diversity of roles, and the conflicts and rewards of leadership. The institute explores topics that are generally ignored in professional and management development workshops. Since the training staff believe that learning effective leadership skills involves practicing skills, an experiential approach is emphasized. (SW)