Purpose: The purpose of this research is to analyse how participants in leadership training programs in higher education value and perceive their training process. Design/methodology/approach: A stylized theoretical model is developed indicating that leadership training may be designed along a collegial-managerial continuum. To study how participants placed themselves on this continuum, a questionnaire was distributed to participants in three different leadership training programs. Findings: The study shows that leadership training programs are tools to modernize higher education without resulting in a rejection of inherent values and characteristics of the sector. Originality/value: Leadership training programs need to be supplemented with broader organisational development activities and a more systematic follow-up process after completion of the program. (Contains 3 tables and 2 figures.)