Leadership Development and Coaching Areas of Expertise
My leadership coaching approach draws on...
multiple leadership development theories and disciplines. Each leadership development theory and discipline is briefly explained below.
Systems Psychodynamic thinking (also known as Group Relations)
This multidisciplinary field offers ways of understanding the dynamics between leaders and followers in small and large groups. It draws on several theories:
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Open Systems Theory explores the relationship between a group or system and its environment
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Psychoanalytic Theory explores unconscious processes and defense mechanisms
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The work of Wilfred Bion describing ways that groups can behave irrationally, which he also called Basic Assumptions
Adaptive Leadership Approach
Described by Heifetz, Grashow and Linsky in 2009, the Adaptive Leadership approach has roots in Systems Psychodynamic thinking. This leadership development coaching method emphasizes the importance of reflective thinking (“Getting on the Balcony”) and explores how leadership can come from anywhere within a group or organization. This helps a group, team or organization to face adaptive challenges. Adaptive challenges require learning on everyone’s part because solutions are yet to be discovered.
Eco-Leadership
Simon Western (2019) coined the term Eco-Leadership to describe the emerging leadership paradigm at the end of the 21st Century. This way of thinking and practicing leadership addresses the disruptive social, environmental and technological challenges taking place in our world today.
Building on Systems Psychodynamic thinking, this leadership coaching approach offers a Networked view of the ecosystems we all live within. Eco-Leadership involves the creation of collaborative structures and networks.
Immunity to Change Model
The Immunity to Change Model for leadership development coaching provides ways to observe and work with defense mechanisms. These mechanisms are the unconscious ways we deflect or avoid difficult feelings, behaviors and dynamics. Ignoring these interferes with our ability to reach our goals.
Mindfulness Practice (MBSR)
Mindfulness is an essential skill for leadership development and practice. It helps leaders to develop self-awareness and awareness of their environment and the organizations they work in. Mindfulness enables leaders to take a step back from their organization’s everyday noise and think about what is actually going on.
These leadership development and coaching theories and methods guide all of my leadership coaching, training and programs.
Leadership coaching and training programs
Leadership development and coaching are offered in three formats for you to choose from…
Self-Guided Leadership Development Course
You want to learn more about yourself while developing your leadership skills with the support of a structured leadership development program. My Leadership for Change curriculum is ideal for exploring your leadership strengths and challenges in your own time and at your own pace. If you’re a motivated solo learner, this is for you.
Personal Leadership Development Coaching
You’re ready to work with a coach to develop your self-awareness, understand your organization as a system and how each influences the other. Personal leadership coaching will help you become more resilient, emotionally intelligent, and develop your relational skills for creating healthy, functional and ethical workplaces.
Group and Team Leadership Development Coaching
You're ready to develop a common language with the people you work with, manage conflict constructively, and build greater trust and collaboration within your organization. Group and Team Leadership Development coaching is available for existing teams, and groups within organizations open to working with a group of leaders and aspiring leaders.