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Graduation Celebration

Australian Graduate Leadership Coaching Program

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Program Overview

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This comprehensive leadership coaching program is specifically designed for newly appointed or graduate leaders in Australia. The program aims to build foundational leadership skills through practical topics and experiential learning methods that align with Australian workplace culture and expectations.

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Module 1: Decision Making

Topics

  • Decision-making frameworks (SWOT, PEST, Decision Matrix)

  • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

  • Cognitive biases and how to overcome them

  • Australian regulatory and compliance considerations

  • Ethical decision making in the Australian workplace context

 

Exercises

  1. Decision Scenario : Work through realistic Australian workplace scenarios requiring decisions with varying degrees of complexity and stakeholder impact.

  2. Decision Journal: Maintain a structured journal documenting real workplace decisions, the process used, outcomes, and reflections.

  3. Peer Decision Panel: Form small groups to collectively analyze a complex decision, with each participant presenting their reasoning and receiving feedback.

  4. Shadow an Executive: Observe and document the decision-making process of a senior leader, analysing their approach and techniques.

  5. Risk-Reward Mapping: Practice categorizing decisions based on risk levels and potential rewards specific to Australian business contexts.

 

Module 2: Communication

Topics

  • Communication styles and adaptability

  • Active listening techniques

  • Non-verbal communication awareness

  • Communicating across cultures (particularly relevant in Australia's diverse workplace)

  • Digital communication etiquette and best practices

  • Presenting with impact and confidence

 

Exercises

  1. Communication Style Assessment: Identify personal communication preferences and develop strategies to adapt to different audiences.

  2. Video Recorded Presentations: Deliver short presentations that are recorded for self-review and coach feedback.

  3. Listening Challenge: Participate in structured listening exercises where participants must accurately paraphrase and reflect what others have said

  4. Message Clarity Challenge: Convert complex information into clear, concise messages for different audiences (technical vs. non-technical, executive vs. operational).

 

Module 3: Problem Solving

Topics

  • Root cause analysis techniques

  • Design thinking methodology

  • Systems thinking approach

  • Creative problem-solving techniques

  • Data-driven problem solving

  • Implementation planning and change management

 

Exercises

  1. 5 Whys Analysis: Apply the 5 Whys technique to real workplace challenges.

  2. Cross-Industry Solution Finding: Identify how similar problems are solved in different industries and apply these insights to your own challenges.

  3. Solution Impact Mapping: For a given solution, map out all potential consequences (positive and negative) across different stakeholders and timeframes.

 

Module 4: Time Management

Topics

  • Personal productivity systems

  • Prioritization frameworks (Eisenhower Matrix, MoSCoW method)

  • Delegation principles and practice

  • Managing digital distractions

  • Work-life balance in Australian workplace culture

  • Time blocking and calendar management

 

Exercises

  1. Time Audit: Track and analyze how time is actually spent over a work week.

  2. Priority Matrix Application: Categorize weekly tasks using prioritization frameworks and reflect on alignment with goals.

  3. Delegation Scenario Practice: Identify appropriate delegation opportunities and practice effective delegation conversations.

  4. Calendar Makeover: Restructure work calendar based on energy levels, focus requirements, and organizational rhythms.

  5. Digital Distraction Management Plan: Develop personalized strategies to manage email, messaging, and social media interruptions.

 

Module 5: Goal Setting

Topics

  • SMART goal framework and beyond

  • OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) methodology

  • Aligning personal, team, and organizational goals

  • Breaking down large goals into actionable steps

  • Metrics and KPIs in Australian business contexts

  • Goal tracking and adjustment strategies

 

Exercises

  1. Personal Leadership Vision: Develop a compelling personal leadership vision with supporting goals.

  2. Goal Translation Workshop: Practice translating organizational objectives into team and individual goals.

  3. OKR Development: Create a quarterly OKR plan for yourself or your team.

  4. Goal Visualization: Create visual representations of goals including milestones and dependencies.

  5. Goal Accountability Partnership: Pair with another participant to check in regularly on progress toward stated goals.

 

Module 6: Team Building

Topics

  • Stages of team development

  • Building psychological safety

  • Team dynamics and roles

  • Managing diverse teams in the Australian context

  • Remote and hybrid team management

  • Team performance assessment and improvement

 

Exercises

  1. Team Charter Creation: Develop a comprehensive team charter including purpose, values, norms, and operating principles.

  2. Strengths-Based Team Mapping: Identify and map team member strengths and develop strategies to leverage them effectively.

  3. Psychological Safety Assessment: Evaluate current psychological safety levels and develop strategies to enhance it.

  4. Team Building Activity Design: Create and facilitate a team building activity addressing a specific team challenge.

  5. Culture-Building Rituals: Design meaningful team rituals that reinforce desired team culture and values.

 

Module 7: Conflict Resolution

Topics

  • Conflict styles assessment

  • Interest-based negotiation techniques

  • Difficult conversations framework

  • Mediation basics for leaders

  • Cultural dimensions of conflict in Australian workplaces

  • Emotional intelligence in conflict situations

 

Exercises

  1. Conflict Style Assessment: Identify personal conflict handling preferences and develop strategies for situations requiring different approaches.

  2. Conflict Scenario Roleplays: Practice addressing common workplace conflicts through roleplaying with peers and receiving feedback.

  3. Mediation Practice: Take turns playing the role of mediator in simulated team conflicts.

  4. Conflict Resolution Process Design: Develop a step-by-step process for addressing team conflicts constructively.

  5. Difficult Conversation Planning: Structure and practice a real difficult conversation using a proven framework.

 

Module 8: Strategic Planning

Topics

  • Strategic thinking vs. operational thinking

  • Environmental scanning (with Australian market focus)

  • Scenario planning techniques

  • Resource allocation principles

  • Strategy execution and monitoring

  • Balancing short and long-term objectives

 

Exercises

  1. PESTLE Analysis: Conduct a PESTLE analysis for your organization within the Australian context.

  2. Future Scenario Development: Create multiple future scenarios for your team or organization and develop strategic responses.

  3. Strategy One-Pager: Distill complex strategic plans into a compelling one-page communication tool.

  4. Resource Allocation Simulation: Practice making strategic resource allocation decisions under constraints.

  5. Strategy-to-Action Translation: Break down strategic objectives into tactical implementation plans with clear accountability.

 

Module 9: Consistently Delivering on Deadlines

Topics

  • Project planning fundamentals

  • Critical path analysis

  • Managing dependencies and constraints

  • Progress monitoring and reporting

  • Scope management and change control

  • Recovery strategies for off-track deliverables

 

Exercises

  1. Deadline Breakdown Workshop: Practice breaking down complex deliverables into manageable tasks with appropriate timelines.

  2. Critical Path Mapping: Identify the critical path for a current project and develop strategies to protect it.

  3. Stakeholder Commitment Negotiation: Practice securing clear commitments from stakeholders for deadline-critical dependencies.

  4. Progress Visualization Tools: Develop visual management systems to track progress toward deadlines.

  5. Recovery Planning: Create recovery plans for projects that have missed key milestones.

 

Module 10: Providing Insightful Feedback

Topics

  • Feedback models (SBI, COIN, AID)

  • Growth vs. fixed mindset cultivation

  • Observational skills development

  • Performance coaching conversations

  • Cultural considerations for feedback in Australian workplaces

  • Receiving feedback effectively

 

Exercises

  1. Structured Feedback Practice: Use established feedback models to deliver feedback on observed behaviors.

  2. Feedback Quality Circles: In small groups, provide and receive feedback on a recent piece of work or presentation.

  3. Observation Journal: Develop observation skills by documenting specific behaviors and their impacts without judgment.

  4. Feedback Request Template: Create personalized templates for requesting specific, actionable feedback from different stakeholders.

 

Module 11: Handling Difficult Conversations

Topics

  • Crucial conversations framework

  • Managing emotional triggers

  • Addressing performance issues constructively

  • Having conversations about diversity and inclusion

  • Delivering bad news effectively

  • Follow-up and relationship repair

 

Exercises

  1. Conversation Planning Template: Develop a structured approach to planning difficult conversations using a comprehensive template.

  2. Trigger Identification: Identify personal emotional triggers and develop management strategies.

  3. Conversation Simulation: Role-play difficult conversations with peers, focusing on both content and delivery.

  4. Mental Models Exercise: Identify limiting assumptions and reframe them to enable more productive conversations.

  5. Recovery Dialogue Practice: Practice conversations to repair relationships after difficult interactions.

 

Program Delivery Methods

  • Fortnightly Workshops: In-person or virtual workshops focusing on specific leadership topics

  • One-on-One Coaching: Regular sessions with an experienced leadership coach

  • Workplace Application Projects: Structured assignments applying learning to real workplace challenges​

  • Leadership Shadowing: Opportunities to observe experienced leaders in action

  • 360-Degree Feedback: Comprehensive feedback at program start and conclusion

 

Measurement and Success Indicators

  • Leadership self-efficacy assessment (pre/post)

  • Manager observations of behavioral change

  • Leadership skills assessment

  • Peer feedback on observed leadership behaviors

  • Self-reflection essays on leadership growth

  • Workplace project outcomes and impact

  • Career progression metrics

 

Australian Context Integration

This program integrates Australian workplace cultural elements throughout, including:

  • Emphasis on direct but respectful communication styles

  • Focus on work-life balance expectations

  • Understanding of diversity in Australian workplace contexts

  • Awareness of relevant regulatory frameworks

  • Tailored case studies from Australian organizations

  • Consideration of regional business practices and expectations

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