For executive level (EL1 and EL2) and equivalent public service officers
who care about people and want to cultivate a high-performing team that produces results
Delegation Without Drama
How to consistently get quality work delivered on time
without stress or micromanagement.
Delegation Without Drama
How to consistently get quality work delivered on time
without stress or micromanagement.
A practical, real-world learning lab for Executive Level* and equivalent public servants who are ready to stop chasing, start leading and finally make delegation work.
*Commited AP6 level staff my apply for consideration.
Delegation Without Drama is a transformational coaching program that will challenge the way you think about delegation, making requests and getting quality work delivered on time. Whether you delegate (request) to your team, to your manager or to stakeholders, this program will get you to 'no surprises' where quality work is consistently delivered on time - or you know otherwise in advance.
If you can relate to one or more of the following statements this program will be valuable:
- I am ready to stop doing rework, listening to excuses, and dealing with last-minute surprises.
- I am technically capable and have been promoted to a leadership position; however, I am still more comfortable doing things myself than delegating work to others.
- I am working with an underperforming staff member and want to do everything possible to help them improve their performance.
- I avoid difficult conversations, such as giving performance feedback, setting high standards, holding people accountable, and repairing awkward relationships.
- I am over doing training courses that teach concepts but don't provide me with pragmatic skills I can use.
- I know what I need to do, but I sometimes struggle to have the necessary conversations.
- I want my team to be more capable and higher performing, but I'm unsure how to help them step up.
You are likely to be a good fit to this program if:
- You’re a committed learner who is willing to invest time and practice to build skills.
- You value a structured and supportive approach to deepen your delegation and leadership skills.
- You want a pragmatic approach to learning that delivers practical skills you can use, not just conceptual understanding.
- You are committed to the wellbeing of your team as well as their work performance.
- You see the value in learning with a community of peers who are committed to each other's success.
- You're too busy to do training, but know if you don't master delegation you can't progress your career or properly support your team.
This program is probably not for you if:
- You are looking for a tick-the-box training course, so you can say you attended.
- You are not willing to invest in yourself by taking the time to practice skills and develop self-awareness.
- You are not open and willing to learn and practice over time.
A Structure for Practice, Growth, and Meaningful Change
Delegation Without Drama is not a typical APS two-day training intensive. They can be inspiring, but often result in little behaviour change because it takes weeks of practice and support to learn and embody new ways of behaving.
Delegation Without Drama is different. It's a nine-week learning lab. A structured program with frameworks for understanding and executive coaching to help you implement in the real world of your team and branch. The most important learning will take place 'on the job' as you experiment with new behaviours and conversations, and reflect to learn from the experience. You will have support from your peers and the program coaches - including unlimited text-based support via our private online learning forum.
"While typical training teaches delegation as a task-transfer process, our ontological approach—validated across governments and complex enterprises—equips you to redesign the invisible conversational infrastructure that makes commitments stick."
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I have attended many management training sessions and your leadership training is one of the very few that I believe adds real value. Most other management trainers focus on wishy-washy high-level aspects of management that result in attendees losing interest, and they often struggle to pay attention. Your sessions break-down each component of leadership into small, simple, very practical steps that everybody can identify with.
The best aspect of the training is that you engage all of the trainees in a way that is interesting and non-threatening.
Ric Kerr
EL1, Dept. Home Affairs
I had a situation where I was receiving work that was not what I had requested. Instead of blaming the provider, I reflected upon what I had actually asked for and how I would make my expectations clearer. This promoted a greater understanding of exactly what I required, and the work then provided was what I needed.
Executive Level (EL2) Public Servant (APS)
What you’ll receive
Over 9 weeks, you’ll be supported to generate meaningful change in your approach to delegation, management and leadership. You can expect to create substantial shifts team performance as measured by the timeliness and quality of delivered work and the reduction in 'surprises'. If you do the work, you will complete the program less stressed, more satisfied and with a higher-performing team.
You’ll get:
🌀 A clear framework for learning and application
Three three-week learning modules take a deep dive into the conversations necessary for effective coordination and cooperation.
Four three-hour on-line in person interactive workshops.
Nine group-coaching sessions with an experienced executive coach.
Reflective reading, short video content, and a weekly implementation plan.
👥 Supportive human connection
A small, trusted community of peer learners
Weekly meet-ups with peers for support and coaching with an experienced executive coach.
A dedicated peer coach or conversation partner for nine weeks.
An online private membership site and forum to celebrate wins, share reflections, and get support.
Unlimited text or recorded-video support via the online forum - ask all the questions you want.
🗣 A rigorous methodology proven in APS environments
Based on Fernando Flores’ ontological framework—tested in Fortune 500 firms, governments (including APS), and high-stakes sectors where misalignment costs millions.
Designed for public sector complexity: Our tools address systemic coordination breakdowns inherent in matrixed APS environments (e.g., siloed branches, ambiguous accountability).
Beyond 'Best Practices': We reject generic delegation checklists. Instead, you’ll learn to diagnose the conversational root causes of drift (e.g., unspoken resignation, untracked promises) using robust coordination frameworks.
You will get everything you need to transform yourself as a leader and learn to consistently have quality work delivered on time - or know otherwise. You will be able to deliver on the public service mantra of "no surprises".
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“Before this program if an exec came and spoke to me I would be doing 7 other things at the same time. This program has made me think about what else I am doing and am I giving that person 100% of my attention. The result of this is an increase in the feeling of worth by staff as well an increased willingness to engage in important conversations.”
Ms Deputy Principal, ACT
I would strongly recommend the program to anyone. This is great leadership training.
Executive Leader, ACT
How the program works
- Duration: Nine weeks
- Modules: A new module is released every three weeks
- Live calls: Weekly MS teams sessions
- Peer practice: Weekly conversations with your peer coach or partner
- Access: All materials are available online for 12 months, with most content downloadable for private use
- Catch-up friendly: All Teams calls are recorded and posted to a private site for your access
What this is (and what it’s not)
This is not a content-heavy academic course for learning theory.
This is a structure for taking action— supported by reflection, conversation, and shared practice. It’s a way to learn by doing: to notice what’s working, explore what isn’t, and shift how you show up as a leader for the people around you.
Each module includes:
One three-hour interactive and experiential workshop
Reflective questions and practical assignments
Peer coaching and practice
Professional group executive coaching
A personalised implementation plan.
Andy Coombs (Australia)
Andy is a consulatant and former senior Australian Public Servant.
"You were quite explicit, both of you, that you created a space of permission about how we could engage. And for me that was actually quite helpful. ... So, the accessibility of learning was really attractive to me.
Course Modules
Module one
The Eight Essential Conversations of Delegation and Requesting. Learn to diagnose the root cause of late or substandard work and identify the missing conversation required to remedy the situation.
Module two
A new understanding of listening and meaning making and the power of language to change the world. Understanding leadership and management conversations and how to shift your own way of being so that you can start to have the conversations you have previously avoided because it was too difficult to have them. TBD
Module three
Recognising and managing moods that undermine performance and wellbeing. Learn to generate resourceful moods and operate from serenity and ambition even when there are breakdowns.,
Each module introduces key concepts or distinctions and provides time for guided reflection, real-life application, and community learning. Each participant will plan their implementation and then be supported over three weeks to execute their plan and engage in reflective adult learning practices that accelerate an embed learning.
Purchasing options
Standard Price
$147 now, 4 installments
​ 747
$747
Pay in Full
$50 Discount
​ 747
$697
Review Price
Welcome Back!
​ 747
$497
Meet your learning guides and facilitators
Ian Higginbottom
Leadership Coach
Executive Coach
I don't give you simple answers; rather, I help you explore important questions and design a new future in some area of your life (which might be your leadership or business). You get to develop—for yourself—new ways of observing the world, new ways of acting in the world, and new ways of being in the world. Futures that seemed impossible become possible, and futures that seemed unlikely become probable. You take new actions that turn possibilities into tangible results.
Deanne Duncombe
Customer Success Manager
Ontological Coach, Author
I love helping people create new perspectives and outcomes. I will explore ideas with you that you can use to help navigate the inevitable challenges that pop up in everyday life. You get to choose how you use those ideas to create the life that you want. To access the power of choice and create useful outcomes. To be the author and leader of your own life.
Curious but not quite ready to commit?
If you're unsure whether this program is the right next step—or you'd simply like to talk it through—you're welcome to book a conversation with Ian. No pressure, just a real conversation about where you are now and what you’re looking for.
Or, if the timing’s not quite right, join the waitlist to stay in the loop and hear when enrolments open again.
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