Mastering Leadership Conversations
Course structure and topics covered
This is a one-day workshop that follows a unique Coaching Each Other (CEO) format designed to leverage participants' knowledge and experience.
To suit varying individual skill levels, the three-pronged workshop approach will:
- Diagnose what’s working that the leader can build on.
- Design a coaching/feedback conversation tailored to the needs of the employee skills and confidence.
- Develop a plan of action for back on the job.
Prior to the workshop participants will be asked to consider their specific needs for the context they are working in and will be given a short questionnaire to help identify levels of knowledge and experience.
Course outcomes and benefits
It is estimated that 70% of employee engagement is attributed to the relationship the employee has with his or her manager.
For a one-to-one relationship between manager and employee to build trust, leaders need to be able to respond in a way that shows respect, empathy and willingness to support -- no matter what direction the one-to-one conversation takes. While tying particular topics such as goal setting and development to the employee performance cycle ensures that it happens at some point in the year, it’s more natural and responsive for leaders to provide coaching and feedback when the need arises.
You will learn to:
- Manage a goal-setting conversation that aligns individual work plans with the needs of the team and the organisation (Goals).
- Create an employee development plan that reflects the strengths of the individual with the skills needed for success in the role (Development).
- Respond to needs for support in building adaptability, resilience, and wellbeing (Wellbeing).
- Provide appreciative feedback that is meaningful, motivating, and contributes to employee engagement (Appreciation).
- Address issues of poor performance when they occur through feedforward coaching (Performance).
This course is ideal for
Leaders looking to build engagement and trust and improve performance among their employees or team.
Course Facilitator
Michelle Shields
Dr Michelle Shields, MS Organisational Development; PhD Psychology, is a strengths-based HRD/OD practitioner. As principal consultant with Fulcrum Associates Ltd., she uses strengths-based approaches to help teams with strategy formation and culture change. She is an international partner of the Zenger Folkman Extraordinary Leadership practice employing strengths-based development for leveraging leadership at all levels. She has over thirty-years’ experience as a practitioner in New Zealand and the US, is the founder of Culture First Canterbury, and is a Chartered Member of the Human Resource Institute of New Zealand.
Upcoming Courses
Dates
- Tuesday 23 June, 2026, 9:00am-4:30pm
- Tuesday 13 October, 2026, 9:00am-4:30pm
If you wish to pay by invoice, please email us.
Location
Ilam campus, University of Canterbury
Price
- $1,050pp (including GST and Humanitix booking fees)
Course fees include catering (all dietary requirements catered for) and booking fees.
Group Discount
Get your colleagues together and take advantage of our group discount - 10% off for 3 - 5 learners.
Email us today and we’ll apply the discount to your booking.
