The
Reflective
Leadership
Journey

Embracing Reflective Leadership for Personal, and Professional Growth

Reflection is a metaskill that underlies all leadership activities, but is largely ignored as a conscious practice.

We do not learn from experience ...
we learn from reflecting on experience.
— John Dewey

This course provides a practical, hands-on approach to exploring reflection as a tool for conscious leadership. You'll learn about various reflective techniques, gain diverse perspectives on leadership practice, and have ample opportunities to apply these insights in real-life scenarios.

The course is flexible and multi-faceted, guiding you to integrate reflective practices into your leadership journey in a way that suits you best.

Overview
  • Three half-day on-site sessions over three months. (Canberra region, location TBA.)
  • Two 90-min online group check-ins in between the main sessions.
  • Maximum of 24 participants.
  • A course full of techniques, tips, practice, and perspectives.
  • Also available as an organisation-internal (in-house) course. Please contact us by email or via the contact form.
Background

Reflective practice is one of those golden keys that unlock personal and professional growth. At its core, it's about taking a moment to step back, look at what has happened, and critically think about what worked, what didn't, and why. It's like having a meaningful conversation with yourself about your assumptions and impact.

For leaders, the benefits of this practice are tremendous. First off, it's a fantastic way to ensure continuous learning. By reflecting on their actions and decisions, leaders can gain deeper insights into their own behaviours and the outcomes they produce. This isn't just about catching mistakes or patting oneself on the back for a job well done; it's about reflecting on the dynamics at play. This deeper understanding helps leaders make more informed decisions in the future, enhancing their ability to lead effectively.

Moreover, reflective practice fosters adaptability—an essential trait for any leader in today's fast-paced world. The business landscape is constantly changing, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Leaders who regularly engage in reflection are better equipped to pivot and adapt strategies quickly. They learn not only to respond to change but to anticipate it, preparing their teams to navigate through uncertainties more fluidly.

Lastly, this practice builds empathy and communication skills. When leaders reflect, they often put themselves in someone else's shoes. They start to see how their decisions impact others both positively and negatively. This can deepen their understanding of social dynamics, improve their communication, and help them connect more effectively with those around them. It turns out, a little introspection goes a long way in building stronger, more meaningful interactions.

In essence, the practice of stepping back and reflecting isn't just a nice-to-have, nowadays, it's a must-have for leaders aiming to stay effective and relevant. Those who make it a part of their routine are engaging in a transformative process that enhances not just their professional lives, but their personal one as well. So, if you're looking to up your leadership game, remember to take a moment, reflect, and learn. Your future self (and those around you) will thank you for it.

In-house Courses

The Reflective Leadership Journey is available both as an open course and as an in-house option. In-house courses ensure that all participants come from the same organisation.

For the in-house courses, participants need to self-nominate. They cannot be sent by someone else. Our experience has shown that this is needed so that participants can fully commit to this personal journey, which can be challenging at times.

To scope the possibilities for organising in-house courses, please contact Rob via rob.sok@zeitgeist-ct.com.

Dates
  • All 2024 courses are now closed.
  • Dates for 2025 have not been determined, please contact us for more information.
Who is it for?
  • Emerging leaders seeking to enhance their self-awareness and leadership capabilities.
  • Experienced managers looking to deepen their reflective practices for better decision-making.
  • Team leaders who wish to foster a more collaborative and reflective team culture.
  • Executives interested in exploring new perspectives and insights into their leadership style.
  • HR professionals aiming to implement reflective leadership strategies within their organisations.
  • Project managers who want to improve team dynamics and project outcomes through reflective practices.
  • Entrepreneurs seeking personal growth and effective leadership skills in dynamic environments.
  • Professionals in transition, looking to redefine their leadership approach in their new roles.
  • Or any mix of these profiles and goals.
What will be covered?
  • Introduction to the principles of reflective practice.
  • Techniques, methods & tips for professional reflection.
  • Activities to enhance reflective skills.
  • Backgrounds and practical applications to your situation.
  • Impulses for reflection on the realities of leadership. For example:
    • How to work with morality, norms and assumptions.
    • Is good leadership even possible?
    • How to deal with failure.
  • Developing emotional intelligence through reflection.
  • Peer feedback sessions to enrich learning experiences.
  • Applying reflective practice to conflict resolution.
  • Tips for reflective listening and communication.
What is it not?
  • It is not a quick-fix solution: This course does not provide superficial solutions to deep-seated leadership challenges but encourages a gradual and sustainable approach to personal and professional growth.
  • It is not passive learning: Participants should not expect to passively receive information; instead, they will be actively engaged in exercises and discussions that require introspection and interaction.
  • It is not purely theoretical: While grounded in sound theoretical concepts, the course emphasises practical applications and real-world implications of reflective practice.
  • It is not a therapy session: Although reflective practice can be deeply personal, this course is not a substitute for professional therapy or counselling.
  • It is not only for those in crisis: This course is designed for all leaders and professionals interested in improving their leadership skills, not just those experiencing difficulties.
  • It is not a lecture series: The format is interactive and dynamic, not a series of one-way lectures. Participants should expect to be active contributors to the learning process.
  • It is not limited to novice leaders: The course is beneficial for leaders at all levels, including seasoned executives looking to refine their approach to leadership.
  • It is not sector-specific: The principles and practices discussed are applicable across various industries and sectors, not confined to any specific field.
What to bring?
During the course, participants will engage in reflective writing. Since writing is a personal experience, some may prefer using a laptop while others might choose to write by hand. Please bring either a laptop (or a tablet with a keyboard, not a smartphone), or a notebook and a few coloured pens. Or better still, bring both a laptop and a notebook to practice with both.
Program pricing
  • $1,199 (incl. GST) per person.
  • $1,049 (incl. GST) early bird.
  • Included: 3 half-day face-to-face, (with afternoon tea) over three months and two 90-min online group check-ins.
  • Not included: travel cost, accommodation.
  • Cancellation and refund policy:
    • Cancellations can be made up to 30 days before the start of the first session for a full refund.
    • Cancellations up to 14 days before the start of the first session will receive a 50% refund.
    • No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 14 days before the start of the first session.
    • In case of emergencies, contact us to discuss options.
    • Should we need to cancel the program, all participants will receive a full refund.

Secure your Spot Today!

No dates have been set for the 2025 courses yet. Please contact us to keep up to date.

  • $1,199 (incl. GST) per person.
  • $1,049 (incl. GST) early bird per person.

Our early bird discount is available until 6 weeks before the course start date. Don't miss this opportunity to secure your spot at a reduced rate.

Reflective Leadership Journey (start Sep 30)

Total: $1199.00 AUD (incl. GST)