A time to work together
Leadership
Develop character, commitment, and competence.
Leadership is more than position or influence. It is how we exercise judgement, accept responsibility, and treat the people affected by our choices.
We work with people at different stages of leadership to deepen self-awareness, develop practical wisdom, and grow in the competence, confidence, and commitment to lead and serve others.
Our approach
Mature leadership begins with knowing ourselves: our values, our character, and the habits that help or hinder us, especially under pressure. Seasoned wisdom rarely comes from always getting things right. It grows when leaders reflect honestly on their missteps, find a little humour in themselves and their circumstances, and discover the inner resources to get back up and try again. There are no shortcuts to this kind of growth.
Leadership is also lived in relationship. We help leaders listen to the people closest to the work, share responsibility along with the authority needed to exercise it, and work through disagreements rather than papering them over. We help them appreciate differences in experience, life stage, and perspective without reducing people to categories.
Sometimes leaders need new skills or a fresh perspective. Sometimes they need the courage to examine their own assumptions, recognize where they have fallen short, or question familiar ways of working. And sometimes the structures and expectations surrounding them need attention, too.
We bring practical ideas, thoughtful questions, and experience from many fields. We also make room for leaders to discover something unexpected about themselves, their colleagues, and what might be possible together.
I live my life in rings that grow
and spread out over everything.
The last I may never finish,
yet I mean to try.
What this can strengthen
- Greater self-awareness, sound judgement, and steadiness under pressure.
- The confidence, motivation, and competence to exercise leadership responsibly.
- The capacity to listen well, share responsibility and authority, and work through differences.
- Leaders who recognize the strengths of others and help them grow.
What the work may involve
Leadership development may include reflection, candid feedback, carefully chosen assessments, shared learning, coaching, and opportunities to practise new approaches in everyday situations.
We begin with the people involved and what they are facing. The work may focus on an individual’s growth, the relationships within a leadership team, or the wider conditions in which leadership is exercised.
Our aim is to help people develop the judgement, character, and practical habits they can carry into whatever comes next.
People behind this work
Questions (7)
Is this for new or experienced leaders?
Both. New leaders face the challenge of growing into responsibility. Experienced leaders face different challenges, including recognizing familiar habits, navigating uncertainty, and developing others. There is no stage at which learning is finished.
Is it individual or group-based?
Either, or both. We work through individual coaching, group learning, facilitated conversations, and shared experiences, depending on what will best serve the people involved.
Do you work in person or virtually?
Both. We work in person and virtually, through live conversations and sessions, as well as asynchronous learning, reflection, and activities between meetings. We agree on the format and combination that will best serve the people and purpose involved.
Can you help us lead across generations?
Yes. People of different ages and career stages may bring different experiences, expectations, and perspectives. We help leaders appreciate these differences without making assumptions about individuals, and find practical ways to work across them.
Will you challenge our leaders when necessary?
Yes. We bring care and candour to our work. Sometimes the most useful contribution is an honest question, a different perspective, or a willingness to name something that has been left unspoken. That includes recognizing when leadership decisions or practices have caused harm.
We do this respectfully, knowing that our own understanding is always incomplete.
How long does it take, and what does it cost?
That depends on the people involved, their circumstances, and the scope of the work. After an initial conversation, we can propose an approach, timeline, and fee for consideration.
What resources do you recommend for learning more about Leadership?
- Bateson, N. (2023). Combining. Triarchy Press.
- Bhasin, R. (2023). We’ve got this: Unlocking the beauty of belonging. Random House Canada.
- Blanchard, K. (2019). Leading at a higher level: Blanchard on leadership and creating high performing organizations (3rd ed.). FT Press.
- brown, a. m. (2017). Emergent strategy: Shaping change, changing worlds. AK Press.
- Brown, B. (2018). Dare to lead: Brave work. Tough conversations. Whole hearts. Random House.
- Covey, S. M. R., & Merrill, R. R. (2018). The speed of trust: The one thing that changes everything (Updated ed.). Free Press.
- Covey, S. R. (2020). The 7 habits of highly effective people: Powerful lessons in personal change (30th anniversary ed.). Simon & Schuster.
- Crossan, M. M., Seijts, G. H., & Gandz, J. (2016). Developing leadership character. Routledge.
- Greenleaf, R. K. (2002). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness (L. C. Spears, Ed.; 25th anniversary ed.). Paulist Press.
- Heifetz, R. A., Linsky, M., & Grashow, A. (2009). The practice of adaptive leadership: Tools and tactics for changing your organization and the world. Harvard Business Press.
- Hicks, D. (2018). Leading with dignity: How to create a culture that brings out the best in people. Yale University Press.
- Rath, T., & Conchie, B. (2008). Strengths based leadership: Great leaders, teams, and why people follow. Gallup Press.
Pay It Forward
We stand on the shoulders of giants.
Whenever possible, we offer discounted rates to under-resourced organizations.
We are grateful to servant leaders who have guided us through our own seasons of change.
In their spirit, we strive to make our services more accessible by offering discounted rates to under-resourced organizations whenever possible. We especially hope to support organizations serving 2SLGBTQI+ people, people with developmental disabilities or mental health needs, migrant workers, refugees, and youth, as well as Indigenous-led organizations and those serving Indigenous communities.
If you are an individual facing financial barriers that have kept you from accessing coaching, mentoring, or learning opportunities, we would be happy to discuss options.
Please reach out to explore how we might serve alongside you or your team.
Curious about your next steps?
Start a conversation.
Tell us what you’re facing. We’ll listen, explore what matters, and consider together whether there’s a useful way for us to help.
A first, 30-minute conversation is free of charge.
