Workshop Approach

New Futures' collaborative leadership development workshops emphasise skills practice and critical reflection upon practice, to assist participants in incorporating new skills into their established styles of operating.

Our workshop programs provide participants with opportunities to:

• Develop new skills for better assessing and handling difficult situations, issues and opportunities
• Try out new approaches in a climate of relative safety
• Share experience, and learn from colleagues.

New Futures' programs succeed in engaging participants because they find the material and the opportunities for interaction and skills practice relevant and useful in their workplace roles.

Our tailored programs all reflect the following principles:

• A balance between theory and practical application
• An emphasis on establishing a 'learning community' among participants
• A variety of developmental experiences
• A focus on embedding leadership capabilities over time.

Balance between theory and practical application

Our programs are based on sound theory and reflect contemporary perspectives on leadership. There is a strong emphasis on building shared or distributed leadership, as well as on developing skills in personal and interpersonal effectiveness.

We develop participants' capacity to constructively question 'the way things are done here'. We help them gain skills in conversing on difficult issues in ways that get to the heart of the matter while minimising defensive reactions.

Concepts and frameworks are introduced to help participants approach and deal with situations and issues in new and more effective ways, not simply because they are 'worthy' in themselves.

Building a 'learning community'

We believe that most of the learning in our workshops occurs through participants exploring real business issues with their colleagues, in ways that invite openness and creativity, systematic problem solving, planning and reflection.

In our programs, the role of the facilitator is to provide relevant theory and tools, to enable reflection, and to create a structure within which participants can pursue their individual and collective learning. While there may be initial scepticism and suspicion, most participants can be expected to find the climate of joint inquiry and support that develops through the program very beneficial.

The spirit of community that develops commonly provides a basis for sharing of experience and support long after the formal program is completed.

Variety of developmental experiences

In recognition that participants will have different learning styles and that they will benefit from a rich and diverse range of learning experiences, our programs encompass conceptually-oriented work, skills practice, sharing of experience with colleagues, personal reflection, case study/project work, and structured feedback.

We strike a balance - in consultation with the client - between catering for the needs of individuals and developing the capacity of the group as a whole.

Emphasis on embedding leadership capabilities over time

The development of leadership and people management skills takes time and practice. With one-shot programs, any initial effect can fade quickly, once people get back to the workplace. Participants need time to integrate their learning, to try ideas gained in workshops back in the field, and to reflect on their experience with their colleagues, and to repeat this cycle - perhaps several times. Accordingly, our programs offer participants a set of integrated and challenging learning experiences usually over a period of some months.

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