The value of stepping away, bringing leadership talent together and putting skills into practice.
With so much learning available online, taking your leadership talent away from work for a residential course can feel like a big commitment. But stepping away from everyday demands creates something valuable—the time and space to focus fully on development.
We did just that recently as part of the Environmental Collaborative Leadership Advanced Programme (IoL Approved programme). Creating deep connection with the cohort, experiential exercises that even the Chair of NE Tony Juniper took part in.
One of the delegates said that something I shared really resonated with them. I said “at your level of the organisation you are paid to think”. Taking time to think is your job, but the reality in leading in 2026 is task, after task, after yet another meeting, and task. Keep ‘busy’ … do do do.
So what did our cohort of leaders take away from three days of stepping away from the do do do?
Focus, practice and connection
They explored ideas without constant interruptions. Rather than simply listening, they practised skills, worked through realistic situations, they created deep connections and received feedback.
Learning alongside others adds another dimension. Shared exercises and informal conversations bring different perspectives, build trust and help people learn from one another as well as from us the facilitators.
Turning learning into action
Time for reflection helped our delegates connect the experience to their own role and decide what they will do differently.
That’s not just it, the programme continues with peer coaching support, 1:1 coaching and another chance to get together to focus on Change and Transformation.
So, a residential course is more than time away. Designed well, it gives people the focus, confidence and shared experience needed to create meaningful change.
And some evidence-based feedback from some happy delegates this week:
They were awesome! Funny, kind and authentic. Plus, exceptionally skilled at their jobs - felt very safe and looked after, but also honest and constructive - they couldn’t have been better.
The facilitators were excellent. The best I have come across. Just the right amount of support and challenge in the daily tasks and activities. They made the 3 days fun and ensured we had a safe space to work together and a group.