Helping leaders step back so teams step up
In a competitive landscape, the ability to help people think creatively and work in new ways is essential. Leaders who can stimulate fresh thinking and empower others to play a vital role in helping organisations thrive.
- Leadership skills coaching through everyday conversations
- Ontological approach to developing leadership capability
- In-person or online delivery, adaptable for in-house programmes
The situation
Having experienced coaching and the personal benefits it brings, clients often say, ‘I want my team to experience what I’ve experienced in my coaching sessions through my leadership.’ Our response is simple: they can.
Leaders don’t need to become professional coaches. Instead, they can learn how to incorporate coaching skills into everyday conversations, alongside their directing, delegating and strategic planning capabilities.
The challenge
Teams often look to their leader for answers, especially when the going gets tough. As a result, leaders can be drawn into problem‑solving conversations that take them away from their core focus.
While being a strong problem solver has often contributed to a leader’s success, it may not always support team development in the longer term. This recurring situation led to exploring how leaders can flex their approach to empower teams to become more proactive and self‑sufficient.
The approach
‘Leading Conversations’ goes to the heart of what it means to lead effectively, whether as a team leader, project lead or group leader. The approach engages leaders in an inquiry‑based method grounded in sound theory.
Participants experience layers of insight and practical distinctions that differentiate their ability to lead conversations and drive action.
The program also explores how people function, learn and change in both personal and professional contexts. Ontology provides a robust change methodology, bringing attention to often invisible and unacknowledged processes that underpin sustainable business improvement and cultural transformation.
The outcome
Clients participate in the three‑day Ontological Coaching and Leadership in Action program, delivered either in person or online. The program supports leaders to gain deeper insight into their leadership approach and provides practical ways to shift conversations into a coaching style when appropriate.
The program is adaptable for in‑house leadership development and can be tailored to meet the learning needs of specific individuals or groups.
Client feedback
“I came into the program with high expectations, knowing Oliver’s reputation for quality and depth, and I was not disappointed. The program was intelligently designed and beautifully delivered, with a balance of structure and flexibility that allowed space for real exploration and discovery.
“Beyond professional growth, it was also a personal journey that deepened my own self‑awareness.
“I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking to take a significant step forward in their coaching or leadership practice. Oliver brings a down‑to‑earth Kiwi style that makes even complex concepts feel accessible and practical, and working with him is truly a pleasure.”
Next steps
If you’re looking to develop leaders who can have more effective, empowering conversations and create clarity and action within their teams, facilitation can be a powerful starting point.
Explore how our facilitation approach supports leaders and teams to build self-awareness, strengthen collaboration, and translate insight into practical action.
