Leadership is a very popular topic at the moment. Politicians don’t show enough of it (or the right type), CEO’s are vocal about it and football teams have so much of it they have leadership groups and sub-groups (and can still perform poorly on and off the field). Everyone has an opinion on what is good leadership, and (according to the media) it seems that all of the identifiable leaders in Australia seem to lack it in some substantial way.
Have we made the definition of good leadership so unattainable that mere mortals can’t achieve it?
'Following the coaching I'm now more confident with running the business and knowing I'm fulfilling all aspects of my role. The outcomes from the coaching work has increased the whole teams confidence and improved their interactions with one another too. As an example, we now inoculate a person in our team to make sure they are are ready for a difficult conversation - its efficient and has a known outcome: to lift the team. One specific thing I liked was the AIR/BLEEDS model - everyone can be above and below the line at times but this is a fantastic model to hear and catch yourself being below the line. This realisation is the key to changing your approach and owning your responsibilities.'
John Ratten
Chief Executive Officer
4 Legs Petfood and Rawbone Petfood
'Leadership coaching with Michael Peiniger has helped me more than I thought it would, I wasn't sure what to expect but his coaching brought out the leader who was always in me, but perhaps was a little afraid. Michael has taught me to be assertive, organised and efficient, he also guided me to be more open with my team which sometimes means being vulnerable which is a strength I never recognised. I could list the different models which helped me (which are many) or what I now do differently every day, instead, I just urge you to let Michael into your office and chaotic mind, because being a leader is difficult but Michael will help you tidy it up, sort it out and lead your team to achieve your organisations goals.'
Francesca MacPherson
General Manager
CIC Higher Education
'Michael led a leadership and culture program within my organisation throughout 2017. He was very relatable and effective with our group of leaders, who were each from diverse backgrounds and professions. Michael’s facilitation style unified the group and broke down any actual or perceived barriers. Personally, Michael gave me the confidence to share my vulnerabilities and learn and grow from them. He taught me to share my stories with people to enable a genuine learning experience. I would highly recommend Michael to any organisation who is looking to create a culture of integrity, accountability and transparency.'
Christina Benson
HR Manager - Coleman Brands, Pure Fishing and NUK
'It was a great journey going through the Executive Leadership coaching with Michael. I was able to explore a lot of new ideas and look at situations from a new perspective. The most important lesson for me was “Don’t assume”. Differences arise because we assume rather than ask questions and Michael helped me recognise all the different ways we assume instead of getting curious and asking questions.'
Annie Vassil
Campus Manager and Program Coordinator
Southern Cross University
A question we are asked at Kameleons - Developing Leaders is 'Why have a leadership coach?' and 'What can a coach bring to me and my business?'.
I often answer the question by asking 'Name me a high performing sports star, athlete, singer, dancer or artist that doesn't (or didn't) have a coach?'
To answer the question properly, we sat down as a group and discussed what our clients had told us in regards to the benefit coaching brings and the impact that it has on a business.
Michael and I worked together for approximately four months. Over that time I found Michael to be very flexible to what my existing needs were and could mould the course content to be relevant to what was happening that week or at that time. Michael was able to provide on the spot advice that made the course content applicable to real situations and therefore more meaningful. I found the IDESC method very helpful and continue to use this in difficult conversations.
Omar Hammam
Sales Director and Owner
Have you heard the phrase 'Knowledge is Power'? Personally, I think it is rubbish. There is something about it that just does not ring true for me. Perhaps it is the little used Physics degree talking quietly to me - power is about energy. Knowledge is a form of 'potential energy' - it has the power to do something if it is used correctly - or used at all.
Why the discussion about knowledge and power?
Francesca MacPherson is the General Manager of CIC Higher Education.
Francesca gives us her insights regarding her own development journey and what she has learnt in developing leaders.
John Ratten is the Chief Executive Officer of 4Legs Petfood, a family owned small business based in Sunshine, Victoria.
John provides his insights regarding his own development journey and what he has learnt in developing leaders.
Kristine Slater is the Engineering and Technical Manager at the Corio Site of lyondellbasell. She is the former Operations Manager and has worked at the site for 13 years.
Kristine gives us her insights regarding her own development journey and what she has learnt in developing leaders.
Project: Executive Leadership Coaching, Leadership Performance Profiles
What the Client said:
'It was a great journey going through the Executive Leadership coaching with Michael. I was able to explore a lot of new ideas and look at situations from a new perspective. The most important lesson for me was “Don’t assume”. Differences arise because we assume rather than ask questions and Michael helped me recognise all the different ways we assume instead of getting curious and asking questions.'
Annie Vassil
Campus and Program Coordinator
Project: Executive Leadership Coaching, Leadership Performance Profiles, Velocity Leadership Workshops
What the Client said:
'Following the coaching I'm now more confident with running the business and knowing I'm fulfilling all aspects of my role. The outcomes from the coaching work has increased the whole teams confidence and improved their interactions with one another too. As an example, we now inoculate a person in our team to make sure they are are ready for a difficult conversation - its efficient and has a known outcome: to lift the team. One specific thing I liked was the OAR/BED model - everyone can be above and below the line at times but this is a fantastic model to hear and catch yourself being below the line. This realisation is the key to changing your approach and owning your responsibilities.'
John Ratten
Chief Executive Officer
Project: Altitude Leadership Program, Executive Leadership Coaching, Leadership Performance Profiling
What our Client said:
I highly recommend the Kameleon's leadership program. This program helped me rediscover what I am passionate about and my tolerances. Michael's uncanny ability to know how to challenge you as a leader just when you need it positively changed my worldview.
Sarah Gafforini
Head of Strategy, Population and Global Health
Making the transition from a clinical background to the corporate world was full of challenged. As a nurse learning to navigate the world of business I was looking for advice and guidance in order to succeed in the new environment. Through one on one leadership mentoring and coaching combined with facilitated group leadership coaching, Michael enabled me to develop the tools and skills to succeed in the corporate environment. Michael has enabled me to develop my analytical and business navigation skills and how to manage a variety of diverse situations and people while encouraging lateral thinking.
Through the group workshops Michael is able to engage his audience and bring out the strongest qualities, facilitating productive conversations in a safe space while challenging the status quo. I highly recommend and thank Michael for the time he spent developing my own leadership skills.
Warren Fowler
Manager, National Operations & Clinical Resourcing
Having been involved in Michael's leadership program for the past 11 months, it has given me the tools to engage my team for better outcomes, adopt new skills into my personal and professional life, learn to self-reflect and understand how I work best and to better engage colleagues. He is interested in you and challenges you to be open to new ideas and ways to look at things. He also keeps you in line when you need it. He is honest and engaging and I really enjoyed the program.
Marina Mildenhall
Head of Procurement & Contract Governance
'There are many leadership programmes out there, but Kameleons is a cut above the rest. Previous programmes I've been involved with simply discuss your strengths and weaknesses, but don't really give you anything to build on. Michael shares information on your strengths and weaknesses with you, but also discusses how your traits interact with each other.
Under his coaching, I've become more aware of my behaviours both personally and professionally, which has resulted in my being better able to handle problems when they arise. I highly recommend Kameleons to any business or team leader who wants to learn how to build a strong, resilient, high functioning team.'
Christine Tan
'Michael has been a great consultant for our business. He always delivers strong results and builds valuable relationships along the way.'
Andrea Renwick
Manager
Swinburne University
'I initially worked with Michael during my time with Swinburne University on a number of corporate learning programs. Michael developed and facilitated numerous leadership and change management programs for Swinburne clients and without exception delivered outstanding results.When it came time for me to upgrade my training and assessment qualifications I had no hesitation in engaging Michael as the facilitator/assessor as I knew he was/is among the very best. He did not let me down and I enjoyed learning from him immensely.Michael has an excellent facilitation style and is able to engage and inspire his audience with ease. He combines his sound theoretical knowledge and expertise with a relaxed manner and an entertaining sense of humour.'
Nicholas Oddy
Associate - Swinburne University
'Michael’s improvement on myself as a person and a leader has been an absolute blessing. He has focussed on my weaknesses and is constantly improving them to ensure my work ethic and integrity align with my visions.'
Steve Papa
Managing Director
Kremedia
'Michael coached me in techniques which changed my behavioural approach in the workplace, which further improved the quality of my relationships. He once asked me about my dream job, and what I was doing to make it happen. Well, six months later following my coaching, I was there, in that job, making things happen! Do not underestimate the value a good coach can have on your life. Call Michael, make it happen.'
Fabian Coulter-Schultz
MOD
OTIS Elevator Company
'Michael is masterful at leading teams to higher levels of performance. He creates a safe space as a facilitator, a skill not all can do well. This enables the learning where participants are inspired to step up to a new level. I have seen Michael in this space and can testify to the success he has in this area. When people are engaged and having fun, they are learning. He gets results!'
Helen Robinett
HR Consulting
'It is rare and a privilege to sit with and learn from an individual like Michael. Not only is Michael's content practical and real but the manner in which he presents leaves you understanding not simply knowing - there's a tangible difference in his work. The learning actually does impact you, your team and how you/we communicate. The workplace is not always rivers of chocolate and rainbows and Michael helps de-mystify this courageously but practically.'
Keiran Toohey
Case Manager
Mates in Construction
'Michael is a highly effective leadership facilitator and coach. I have had the pleasure of working with Michael on a number of programs and he has always been professional and committed and the impact he has on leaders goes well beyond the agreed content. His success lies in his ability to deeply understand people and his commitment and dedication to developing leaders to achieve success both in their businesses and also in their lives.'
Tori Paterson
Program Manager
TP3
'Michael ran a two-day session on how to train others. His course provided a good balance of an overview approach to training and specific tips and resources. He delivered the course to people from a variety of areas within the company but managed to ensure it was useful to everyone. Very worthwhile doing for anyone looking to develop their training skill set.'
Daniel Corbett
Editor
Lonely Planet
'Michael is someone who can make learning fun and yet very effective. He walks the talk. The training manual isjust a reference to me, but my learning comes mostly from what he said and practiced in the session. His action and behaviours in the class reflect exactly what he preached in the programme. The activities done in the programme are all relevant to the topic and it makes the topic easy to remember and apply back at the workplace. He is such a great facilitator and he inspired me a lot! My learning experience in the programme is so much different from other programmes that I have ever attended before.'
Suhaila Zainol
Manager & Trainer
CIMB
'Michael recently helped me undertake the completion of a leadership performance profile. This was a really useful exercise, and gave me some really great insights into the type of manager and person I am, versus what I always thought I was! As someone starting my own business, this insight will be critical to my future success. Michael's relaxed style as he took me through the process made for an enjoyable experience, while highlighting my strengths and those areas I need to focus on to improve my performance.'
Lyn Shalless
Principal
Ark Risk Consulting
'Michael's coaching has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. His ability to encourage deeper thought processes has resulted in a more holistic approach to how I manage a variety of situations. The coaching and practical exercises have developed my confidence and ability to face challenging situations.
This has been a valuable investment with both my employer and family seeing the benefits. Highly recommended.'Amanda Child
Executive Assistant
Department of Justice & Regulation
'Michael facilitated the Diploma of Management for a group of managers at Sensis. He was a very engaging facilitator, and was incredibly creative with his activities and delivery style. He had a sound knowledge of management and frequently used incidents that had happened to him to bring life to the training. He always encouraged discussion and was great at summarising the group's responses. I really enjoyed Michael's sessions and would highly recommend him as a trainer.'
Julia Zumpo
National Learning & Organisational Development Manager
'I have known Michael in a professional capacity during which time he personally delivered professional training services to the REA Group over a period of a year. He delivered his sessions to the highest standard, has been reliable, professional and provides out of the box methods. He also offered one-on-one support after hours.I would have no hesitation in recommending Michael to lead and facilitate training sessions.'
Adele Wapnick Farmer
Major Accounts Manager
REA Group
'Michael worked with us at realestate.com.au facilitating Management Development programs for our managers and team leaders. He is a great facilitator and highly competent in the core management disciplines.'
Roxanne Addley
Organisational Development Manager
REA Group
'Michael was a burst of energy and enthusiasm from the get go. His dedication and passion for his work was extremely refreshing along with his natural ability to foster cross level engagement of the highest standard. I have no hesitation in recommending him and would hire him again.'
Brendan Dowling
Advertising Operations Manager
REA Group