{"id":49171,"date":"2025-03-25T20:26:56","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T03:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/?p=49171"},"modified":"2025-07-28T13:33:33","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T20:33:33","slug":"leadership-team-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/leadership-team-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Leadership: Team Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/david.jpg” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” min_height=”595.2px” custom_margin=”|auto|19px|auto||” custom_padding=”467px|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”72″ text_line_height=”1.1em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”785px” custom_margin=”-98px||0px|||” custom_padding=”||168px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”52″ text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Leadership: Team Development<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-50px||||false|false” custom_padding=”149px|0px|1px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/david-ivers.png” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-45px|||||” animation=”off” sticky=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#02b875″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.2em” header_text_color=”#000000″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]DAVID IVERS<\/span><\/a>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||on||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”16″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||20px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]David Ivers is from Sydney, Australia. He is a qualified Primary and Secondary School Teacher. In total, he has served on school leadership teams for 16 years in senior leadership roles.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.5em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”720px” min_height=”4030px” custom_margin=”-22px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”28px||16px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

You can see the stars and still not see the light\u201d<\/p>\n

Already Gone (1974) (Eagles)<\/a><\/p>\n

Written By:<\/p>\n

Jack Tempchin & Robert Arnold Strandlund<\/p>\n

Warner Chappell Music, Inc. Los Angeles.CA.<\/p>\n

Great leaders understand that a core part of their role is to develop their team for both the present and the future. This responsibility extends not only to their current employer but also to the broader industry. It should encompass their personal development, including their well-being. This becomes especially important when talented individuals on your team exhibit significant potential yet never advance beyond their current achievements. They appear to be stuck. The opening quote about seeing the stars yet not being able to see the light<\/em> serves as an apt metaphor for their state of stagnation. In electrical engineering, potential is measured in volts.<\/p>\n

\u201cPotential difference is a measure of the difference in energy between two parts of a circuit. The bigger the difference in energy, the bigger the potential difference.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

BBC. (2025). Measuring Current and Potential Difference: Series and Parallel Circuits<\/a><\/p>\n

Our feeling of \u2018stuckness\u2019 often arises from energy- or the lack thereof. When the energy required for the current practice is less than what might be needed- at least initially- to move on to something more powerful, we can feel stuck. Recognizing this can empower individuals to become experts in assessing whether achieving future potential is feasible. For the team leader, providing the resources necessary for this \u2018epiphany\u2019 to occur is crucial. In his excellent work, \u2018Lead From the Heart,\u2019 Mark C. Crowley highlights the significance of teamwork and self-development.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth is no one is ever fully developed or self-assured. Moreover, I believe all people feel limited in some way and can be transformed through thoughtful coaching and encouragement. More than anything, my experience taught me that people are virtually unlimited given the right support.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Crowley, Mark. C. (2022). Lead From The Heart: Transformational Leadership For The 21st Century (eBook<\/a>). Carlsbad. California: Hay House, Inc. (Introduction. p16 of 246).<\/p>\n

Without creating an exhaustive list, some tools to assist team member(s) in realizing their potential may include the following. The linked resources serve as examples and are not a comprehensive list of what is available, nor do they constitute recommendations or professional advice, but rather illustrate options that exist.<\/u><\/p>\n

Coaching \/ Mentoring<\/h4>\n

These terms can often be misunderstood and used interchangeably. However, there is a clear distinction between coaching and mentoring. While focusing on the coaching and mentoring of teachers, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) employs a broad definition of both. Additionally, it needs to be structured and follow through at least four phases.<\/p>\n

In the AITSL model of Coaching, there are four phases.<\/p>\n

Planning<\/strong> >>>>>>>>>> Contracting<\/strong> >>>>>>>>>> Coaching<\/strong> >>>>>>>>>> Evaluating<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cCoaching is a professional learning strategy using questioning and conversation to support professional growth.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMentoring<\/em> is generally a relationship between a more experienced mentor and less experienced mentee. It is about learning from an expert and gaining knowledge from his or her experience. O<\/em>ften <\/em>Mentoring occurs during transition to a new career stage or role.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).<\/a> (2016). AITSL Coaching Resources: Complete Seat. Melbourne, Victoria (Australia). AITSL. (Phases: p6 of 106 Definitions: p15 of 106).<\/p>\n

What this should highlight is the intentional nature of coaching. Ideally, it is planned, and the agreed-upon areas of coaching, such as time, place, frequency, and goals, need to be defined upfront in the planning and contracting phase. Coaching is often viewed as a strategy that facilitates intentional change by addressing where the coachee currently is and where they need or want to be. Consequently, it is essential for the coach to have received training in coaching. There are numerous online resources available to help you get started. In addition to AITSL, examples include Growth Coaching International,<\/a> the Center for Creative Leadership<\/a>, the Institute of Coaching<\/a> (affiliated with Harvard Medical School), Positive Psychology<\/a>, and the International Coaching Federation<\/a>. If developing your people is a key priority, coaching must be included in the professional development toolbox.<\/p>\n

Engaging in Possibility Thinking<\/h4>\n

Possibility Thinking often comes up when there is a discussion around Creative Thinking. The key here is in the questions that need to be asked and explored. As the name suggests, the team member starts by naming the problem. This could be connected to the coaching protocol described above or even as a whole team exercise. The premise in bringing in others, is that often there is an aspect of ourselves that others can see but the individual cannot. Often it is through a lack of self-awareness or a false sense of humility. Once the problem is named a series of questions, often \u2018what if\u2019, \u2019what are\u2019 and \u2018why \/ why not\u2019, are explored. Mapping these responses is an essential component of the process. This helps the individual to have agency over the process and the change that is sought. What is important in exploring the questions and possible solutions, is that everything is on the table. Even if something is already known or seems quirky, if the individual or group have it as a creative thought to the problem, it should be regarded as a creative thought. Possibility Thinking is often a technique taught in initial teacher education programs. As a result, there are a lot of resources on the internet that can help guide you through this process. An example of this would include: a useful article by Constance de Saint Laurent & Vlad Gl\u0103veanu, entitled How to Use \u2018Possibility Thinking\u2019<\/a> <\/em>. Another useful example is Ronald Beghetto from Arizona State University explaining Possibility Thinking Protocols.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Engaging in Lewin\u2019s Force-Field Analysis<\/h4>\n

One of the decision-making techniques often taught in business schools is Kurt Lewin\u2019s \u2018Force-Field Analysis. Essentially, this theoretical approach has been used in change management of organizations and, more recently to evaluate the use of a particular strategy. In one sense, it leverages Newton\u2019s Third Law of Motion (Action and Reaction). According to NASA, Newton\u2019s Third Law of Motion<\/a> states, “Whenever one object exerts a force on another object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first.\u201d<\/em> In Luwin\u2019s Force-Field Analysis<\/a>, \u201cchange is characterized as a state of imbalance between driving forces (e.g., new personnel, changing markets, new technology) and restraining forces (e.g., individuals’ fear of failure, organizational inertia)\u201d. <\/em>These forces are \u2018frozen\u2019 so they remain in a \u2018quasi-equilibrium. By unfreezing the forces, they can be adjusted to the required force for change. Once the change is achieved, the new forces are refrozen to embed the change. For the individual or team, to discern the driving forces and restraining forces at work on them individually and on the team collectively can lead to profound insights and change.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#f7f7f4″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” column_padding_mobile=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” min_height=”594px” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” make_fullwidth=”on” custom_width_px=”680px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-4.jpg” alt=”A diverse group of five people engages in a serious discussion in a modern office with large windows. One person takes the lead, standing and pointing at a document on the table, while others sit attentively, taking notes and engaging in conversation.” title_text=”A diverse group of five people engages in a serious discussion in a modern office with large windows. One person takes the lead, standing and pointing at a document on the table, while others sit attentively, taking notes and engaging in conversation.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#efefe9″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/3-3.jpg” alt=”In an office with modern lighting, two leaders stand confidently; a woman in a blazer with arms crossed and a man in a sweater behind her. In the background, their team collaborates at a table, surrounded by laptops and papers.” title_text=”In an office with modern lighting, two leaders stand confidently; a woman in a blazer with arms crossed and a man in a sweater behind her. In the background, their team collaborates at a table, surrounded by laptops and papers.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#818178″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”1.2%|10%||10%||” custom_margin_tablet=”|10%||10%” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Great leaders understand that a core part of their role is to develop their team for both the present and the future.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#888888″ text_font_size=”12″ text_letter_spacing=”2px” text_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||11.4%|||” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]DAVID IVERS[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” min_height=”2200px” custom_margin=”-73px||11px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”40px||0px|” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”84px||1px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Find their \u2018Immunity to Change\u2019 (Kegan and Lahey)<\/h4>\n

This is based on the exceptional work of Professor Robert Kegan and Dr. Lisa Lahey from Harvard Graduate School of Education.<\/p>\n

\u201cBased on 30 years of adult developmental research, Immunity to Change is <\/em>\u201c<\/em>a way of helping people take a kind of mental X-ray, a picture of your own mindset,\u201d <\/em>Kegan said, allowing individuals to see <\/em>\u201c<\/em>the ways in which your mental system may actually be in some ways making errors or distortions that keep you from letting new ideas come into your head which in fact can allow you to change your behavior.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Bauld, Andrew. (ND). Changing for the Better<\/a>. Cambridge. MA: Harvard Graduate School of Education<\/p>\n

This process can be part of either a group or coaching initiative. The individual begins by using the \u2018Immunity to Change\u2019 worksheet to identify their \u2018Improvement Goal. ‘ Next, they determine the necessary actions to achieve this goal. The second part of the process focuses on \u2018Behaviors that Work Against My Goal.\u2019 For instance, if the goal is to become a teacher and the action is to enroll in a teaching degree program, procrastination in applying for the degree represents a behavior that undermines this objective. The third part involves identifying \u2018Hidden Competing Commitments. ‘ In the pursuit of becoming a teacher, financial considerations may arise, such as a mortgage, which can conflict with educational expenses, along with demands on family time. The final stage addresses the \u2018Big Assumptions. ‘ What assumptions do you hold about yourself and your situation, and are these assumptions valid? If they seem valid, can these significant issues be minimized? If so, how can that be achieved? For team members who feel stuck, this process can inspire considerable breakthrough thinking, leading to adjustments in their self-belief, self-concept, and self-confidence. The worksheet is available for download from the Harvard Extension School website<\/u>. The book is highly recommended for its life-changing potential, and a copy can be found at the \u2018HBR Store<\/a>. ‘<\/p>\n

Keeping a Journal to See Priorities (Personal and\/or Professional)<\/h4>\n

Journaling is an activity that almost everybody can use as a strategy for personal and \/ or professional growth. It can take many different forms. Some like to keep it like a diary with a comment on each of the major events of the day. Others use it to reflect on the day that has been, whilst others again might prefer to keep a visual journal. There are several advantages to this approach.<\/p>\n