Leadership in Practice is the University’s flagship leadership program. A dynamic, neuroscience-informed program designed to elevate leadership from the inside out. Across twelve practical sessions, over three days. participants will explore the mindset, communication skills, and relational tools needed to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. From navigating tough conversations to leading through change, this program equips ANU leaders to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of trust, growth, and engagement.
Program Objectives
Incorporating evidence-based research from such areas as positive organisational scholarship, neuroleadership and neuroscience, the workshops will equip people managers with concepts, tools and models to understand their strengths as leaders, and to assist in:
- Handling uncomfortable conversations.
- Delivering feedback with dignity, respect and compassion.
- Acknowledging and recognising staff.
- Understanding, managing and mitigating people’s reactions to change.
- Coaching; delegating effectively and setting compelling goals.
Program Outline
The program focuses on two core dimensions of leadership: leading self and leading others and supports leaders to:
- Deepen self-awareness and adopt intentional, values-driven approaches to work and decision-making
- Communicate with authenticity and influence across teams and stakeholders
- Navigate and resolve conflict constructively, turning challenges into opportunities for growth
- Lead courageous conversations that build trust, alignment, and accountability
- Drive performance through effective execution, goal clarity, and strategic focus
- Foster a culture of engagement, development, and collaboration across individuals and teams
Meet the Facilitator
Paul Donohue is the lead facilitator of Leadership in Practice Program (LiPP), the ANU flagship leadership development program. With a career spanning over 30 years in human resource management, learning and development, and performance coaching, Paul brings a deeply practical, neuroscience-informed approach to developing people leaders.
Testimonials
Dr Fiona Scotney,
Director, Tuckwell Scholarship Program
ATEM NSW/ACT Region Chair and Non-Executive Director
Chair, ANU Professional Services Leadership Forum
The Leadership In Practice Program was a great opportunity for me to expand my professional network across the university, learn leadership frameworks that are useful within our organisation and sector, and undertake a strengths profile assessment. The mode of delivery, the evidenced-based approach, and the practical exercises make the program interesting and relevant. Since undertaking the leadership program, I’ve stayed in touch with leaders from my cohort and have a greater understanding of other areas within the university.
Professor Adrian Sheppard,
Professor, Physics Education Centre Materials Physics
Research School of Physics
College of Science and Medicine
Leadership in Practice is a fantastic course. I learned so much, mainly from Paul but also from the other participants, and even after 6 months I often find myself reflecting on it. The course has changed how I work every day and I believe that it's made me a more thoughtful and effective manager and colleague.
The three-day in-person format with a lengthy break between the second and third days is great - highly interactive and challenging. While taking three full days out from work is a big commitment, the benefits for me have far outweighed the time spent.
This course is so good that I think it should be considered essential for everyone managing a team at ANU.
Lisa Kennedy,
Interim Director, University Experience
The Australian National University
As someone with many years leadership experience, who had completed several leadership programs previously, I signed up for the Leadership in Practice program, primarily to meet other leaders from within the university and build my network. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I learnt several different ways of working that I hadn’t learned before – I have used some of those and have suggested their use to other people. Of course, my expectations about meeting people and building a network were definitely met.
The course is interesting and is presented in an engaging way by people who really know their stuff! I also really appreciated the sharing of information and readings through the Teams group that was established. Huge thanks to the team members who developed and delivered an excellent training program!
Reference documents
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Contact
- Talent and Capability
- Send email