We recently met with Neil McDonald from TrueNorth Development to find out more about why the Leadership for Middle Leaders programme is so successful.
Q1: This will be the third time you have delivered the Leadership for Middle Leaders programme for ISNZ. Why do you think it is so popular with our members?
It’s incredibly exciting to be returning for a third year. Each cohort has been highly engaged, and the feedback we receive consistently highlights the relevance of the topics, the interactive and practical format, and the strong suite of immediately applicable leadership tools participants take away.
A standout element, based on participant feedback, is the Emotional Intelligence 360° survey completed at the start of the programme. Many describe it as a powerful catalyst for personal insight—providing both a clear developmental focus and affirming, constructive feedback from colleagues.
Q2: How much are participants expected to contribute to the programme, and what level of commitment is expected—and why?
We recognise that participants lead incredibly busy professional lives, so the programme is intentionally designed with flexibility around pre‑workshop readings and preparation.
The three face‑to‑face workshop days (a 2+1 structure) are crafted for maximum engagement and deep reflection on participants’ own leadership behaviours. Throughout each day, we guide them through dynamic learning cycles that spark curiosity, introduce evidence‑based research, and encourage rich discussion and practical application. Participants often comment on how quickly the days pass and how much they take away.
A major contributor to the programme’s impact is the Leadership Capability Action Plan (LCAP). This is a personalised “stretch plan” co‑designed with a coach and embedded directly into the participant’s current role—not an add‑on, but a meaningful part of their everyday leadership practice. At the end of the programme, participants present their LCAP to a small group, and many describe these presentations as a highlight of their learning journey.
Q3: What skills can participants expect to have gained after completing the full programme?
Current research shows that highly effective leaders - across all industries - demonstrate strong emotionalintelligence and invest deeply in buildingrelationships and enabling others’ success. This programme reflects thatevidence, beginning with the EI 360° survey and weaving EI principlesthroughout the curriculum.
The programme is built around an evidence‑basedleadership framework, with key components including:
- Understanding Self – clarifying personal vision and values as a leader
- Leading Others – trust, influence, and navigating difficult conversations
- Strategic Thinking – ethical decision‑making and influencing at a broader level
- Agile Leadership - leading and sustaining change
Most importantly, each participant identifies a specific leadership behaviour to strengthen and works on it throughout the programme. This targeted focus often results in significant, observable growth in theirleadership capability.
Register now
Leadership for Middle Leaders runs over three days and will be held in Auckland. The initial two days are Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 March 2026, and the final day of the programme is Thursday 10 September 2026.
For further information and to register visit here.
