We are excited to invite all alumni of our mentoring training program to a special 3-hour roundtable session with Steve Scott.

Date & Time: July 30, 2025 10am AEST

To join this event, please reach out to Daniel Taylor to be added to the calendar.

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Outline

The bespoke roundtable workshop is designed to equip school leaders and educators with the skills to lead with questions, foster critical thinking, and manage challenging conversations effectively. This interactive program emphasises the power of inquiry over directive statements, enabling participants to guide discussions with students, parents, and staff in a way that builds accountability, promotes ethical leadership, and de-escalates conflict.

Through a structured approach, participants will explore various questioning frameworks, conflict de-escalation strategies, and methods to shift responsibility to the other party while maintaining trust and professionalism. The workshop incorporates practical role-play scenarios based on real-world school leadership challenges, ensuring participants leave with tools they can apply immediately in their educational environments.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Prioritising Experience-Sharing Ahead of Advice-Giving
   Understand how shifting from directive advice to reflective questioning empowers individuals and promotes personal responsibility
2. Utilise Advanced Questioning Techniques to Lead Difficult Conversations
   Master the five key questioning techniques (open, closed, tie-down, alternate choice, and echidna questions) to steer conversations effectively
3. Implement the Three Stages of Conflict De-escalation
   Develop skills to calm heightened emotions and preserve professional relationships through a structured three-step process
4. Plan and Execute Difficult Conversations with Confidence
   Learn how to structure conversations using questioning techniques to navigate sensitive situations such as performance issues, misconduct, and student-related concerns
5. Foster a Culture of Accountability and Critical Thinking
   Apply questioning methods that shift responsibility to the mentee or staff member, helping them engage in constructive self-reflection and problem-solving
6. Recognise and Manage Emotional Triggers in Conversations
   Develop self-awareness and emotional regulation techniques to maintain control, credibility, and leadership presence in high-stakes discussions.