Revolutionize Leadership Learning

As 2023 came to a close, I hosted my fourth seminar of the year in Amsterdam.

It was a farewell to an eventful year, global connections, insightful learnings, media commentaries, and exploration of new patterns in global business. It was a pleasure collaborating with talented professionals and organizations across Europe and the Middle East and lead cross-cultural leadership seminars.

The response from the delegates often recognised the training as one of the most beneficial they have ever attended. By a significant margin.

The reason, I believe, is this: I don’t train, I coach.

Traditional leadership learning often relies on theoretical frameworks that can be too intellectual and impersonal. In contrast, establishing trusting rapport first, matters a great deal, particularly across cultures. Contrary to information, 'Insight' is contextual and very few are willing to listen deep enough to uncover your frame of reference. Imagine the cozy feeling of a night out with friends, but spiced up with healthy challenges that nudge you out of your comfort zone, then add to the mix best-in-class practical wisdom (still rooted in well established theoretical frameworks) which you can apply immediately, making the experience not only enjoyable but also immensely valuable. Within a coaching context, I am not there to be liked and I openly encourage diverse, or even controversial views. Emotions are allowed ;) In return, I ask for a professional and respectful engagement from all participants. A trade-off that has proven effective time and again, resonating well with those who value transformative learning experiences.

The failure to build rapport can be likened to two individuals simultaneously pushing and pulling at a door, resulting in a deadlock. Without openness there is no trust, nor there is progress. Building rapport with any audience requires a delicate balance of emotional vulnerability while maintaining credibility, a critical skill for leaders and managers in 2024 and beyond.

If you are looking to enhance the effectiveness of your professional training in 2024, consider transforming your trainers into coaches. This shift can significantly elevate your team’s performance and effectiveness, with noticeable results within just 3 to 6 months.

From April 2024 I am opening the space for SLTs. If you’d like to have a 30-min chat, drop me a note - Manuel Giudice Booking Link

#LeadershipDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment #FutureOfWork