Program Description
New leaders often arrive with a multitude of ideas accompanied by an enthusiasm for change. Established teams often have numerous questions along with behavior patterns that reflect past leadership. In addition, their organization has expectations of both leaders and teams that reflect changing roles and responsibilities.

We designed the New Leadership Integration Program to specifically address and align these issues. It has proven to be a quick, cost efficient and effective way to pass through what can be a challenging and lengthy transition. It accomplishes this by producing trust, understanding and rapport as a basis for team relationships. It gives team members practical tools for sustaining positive relationships and resolving issues that may surface down the road.

It provides new leaders and team members opportunities to explore the dynamics of cooperation, introduce new agendas, and surface concerns early on in order to clear the path for effective action. It gives team members a safe and structured environment in which to build positive connections for successful communications and to experience the different perspectives represented on the team.

Goals of the Program
Integrate goals between new leaders and teams
• Communicate new directions and strategies
• Create understanding and open lines of communication
• Facilitate the development of new relationships
• Build a powerful bond among all team members

The New Leader Integration Program is usually presented in a 2 1/2 day format delivered offsite. The program is enhanced by the use of Graphic Visioning  delivered in-house or in retreat settings. A three step process includes:

Step 1 - The Dialogue Process - Who’s on my team?
The team learns how to develop and maintain a positive dialogue process that explores the questions leaders and teams have of each other regarding resources, role changes and future action plans. Team members learn how to practice appreciative inquiry as a basis for effective conversation in this step.

Step 2 - The Adventure-Based Learning Activity - How are we going to get it done?
This provides the new team with a series of problem-solving initiatives and challenge course activities. Learning objectives during this step include:

• Enhancing responsive decision-making
• Giving and receiving constructive feedback
• Practicing effective communication (appreciative inquiry)
• Validating the practical application of team spirit in creating results
• Developing and practicing resolution strategies

Step 3 - Strategies for effective Action - What are we going to do?
This step takes the team learning into the company by applying the discoveries, solutions and new understandings into demonstrable action steps in the workplace.

Strategies include:
Developing applicable Tips and Tools
Documenting timelines and action plans
Translating “lessons learned” to the workplace

"Leadership is that which creates the possibility for effective action."
Michael Thiel -- Northrop Grumman Corp.