I just co-led a leadership conference with 100 leaders where we did something radical – we SLOWED DOWN. Instead of the typical rushed agenda crammed with content, we created space for meaningful connection and skill development.
The results were transformative! By focusing on quality interactions and teaching and practising specific skills like “Whole-Person Leadership” and “Powerful Listening”, we witnessed visible increases in trust, connection, and collaboration among leaders. This 60-year-old company is now shifting from hierarchical management to collaborative leadership.
For resource sector companies struggling with alignment challenges, this highlights a critical truth: meaningful transformation requires dedicated time and space. Your project delays and turnover issues might stem from rushing through leadership development without allowing new approaches to take root.
Three practical steps to implement this approach:
- Schedule regular, protected team sessions working on the team (not just project updates)
- Incorporate whole-person connection methods that build psychological safety
- Build Communication skills across all leadership levels
When teams slow down to truly connect, the magic happens. Let me know if you’d like to discuss how this approach could transform your resource project leadership!