Institute for Strategic Leadership

Testimonials

Strategic Leadership Programme #29 - October 2009

Shaw James

"When I consider human learning, from child to adult, I see a process with common features. What is common about the process is that the learning generally occurs under the supervision of someone more skilled or experienced than we are - someone who provides a safety net, guidance, and feedback.

For example our earliest memories feature parents encouraging us as toddlers to literally step up. Then there was school; we all remember the 'guidance' we received there. After the social panel-beating we received as teenagers we joined the workforce and our education continued.

The programme required a critical assessment of all elements of my life, not just my professional role, and provided a perspective and insights that have and will enforce positive changes..

As managers we have attended management courses or been lucky enough to benefit from the attentions of a mentor. But that's where it ends for most managers. Once in the 'management arena' there appears to be little structured guidance that will assist high-potential performers to rise to the challenge of strategic leadership.

The Strategic Leadership Programme aims to fill this gap. Quite frankly, the SLP is a top of the line experiential learning activity that enables a broad-spectrum insight into the psychology of self, of others, of teams, and organisations. Real-life pressure is applied and the experience is fun but intense. The Strategic Leadership Institute thus offers a guiding hand where none apparently exists and turns your team-mates into your best mentor.

If you are lucky enough to be selected for the Programme, then you will be enriched. It will be your personal challenge to use this enrichment to be the best leader you can be. All credit to Geoffrey Lorigan and his expert team for enabling our development to the next level."

Shaw James
Group Captain
Royal New Zealand Air Force


John Hutchinson

"I arrived at Millbrook for SLP29 with very high expectations of what the course would deliver for me and i have to say those expectations were exceeded in every way.

The course itself is not easy to explain but the effect of the experiential learning on me has been profound and i now catch myself thinking in terms of pre and post SLP29.

I would thoroughly recommend the course to any experienced manager wanting to take that “Step Up in their own personal development."

John Hutchinson
Dealer Principal
Team Hutchinson Ford
New Zealand


Graeme Free

"The Strategic Leadership Programme is a truly unique experience that delivers more than is able to be easily described. It really does have to be experienced. Geoff and his team provide the opportunity for self reflection, personal growth and taking your thinking to a new level within a professional and totally enjoyable learning environment.

I have learned the power of working within a high performing team and also how easily one can be developed with the right coaching, tools and attitude. The Programme takes you through the lifecycle of a high performing team, starting with complete strangers who have diverse skills & backgrounds and ending with a highly efficient team and very close group of friends. At the start of the week, Saturday looks a long way off. At the end of the Programme, it all seems so short. Geoff and his team are outstanding to work with and I highly recommend this Programme to anyone looking to view themself and their working environment from a fresh perspective."

Graeme Free
National Managing Partner - Programme Finance
BNZ
New Zealand


Mirla Edmundson

"When do you really get the time and space to take a long hard look at yourself, where you've been, how you operate, and how you impact on others? ISL gives you that opportunity and much more.

For me the most powerful impact of spending 7 days with strangers who helped me learn how to be the best I can be, was being reminded who I really am, what I need to function well and how much I can learn from others through genuine and honest relationships.

This doesn't happen by accident. Surrounded by the the most spectacular landscape (how often do we take these things for granted?), lead by Geoff - the inspiration behind the programme, supported by a superb team of coaches and organisational know-how, participants on the programme are left with one job to do - be open and step into the process.

The result - inspirational growth, valuable insights, and new friends!

Just do it - it might just change your life....."

Mirla Edmundson
Group Manager
Manukau Libraries
Manukau City Council
New Zealand


Rhys Boswell

"Almost by default, if you are considering or have been nominated by your employer to apply for this programme, you will be someone who has experienced success in your career. However, if you are honest with yourself, you will know that there are elements of your personal performance and that of your team that can be improved if certain barriers to success are (a) acknowledged and (b) actively addressed. The SLP provides participants with a unique opportunity for self analysis and reflection that goes far beyond the cursory appraisal exercises most of us pay lip service to.

If, like me, you have ever watched "Survivor" and wished you could rise to the challenge of operating within a team of complete strangers to achieve great things - but not been so keen on the insect infested sleeping quarters or the clothing options? If you have ever seen "Fear Factor" and wondered how willing you would be to confront some of your deepest fears and anxieties - but to do so in an environment free from cheerleading and with a superior range of dining choices? Then the SLP is the challenge for you.

At the end, there is no prize money, there will be no 15 minutes of fame. However, I can almost guarantee that you will have experienced something utterly unique and in most cases life changing."

Rhys Boswell
General Manager Planning and Environment
Christchurch International Airport Ltd
New Zealand


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