There are 12 spots in this workshop, a number carefully designed to allow each person to practice both team membership and team leadership throughout the program. 

This course is open to anyone who works (or will soon work) as a team member or a team leader (or both). Previous experience with organisational psychology or leadership training is not necessary.

Think logic problem meets scout camp. While there won’t be any strenuous physical requirements, we will be at times on the ground and in motion. Activities assume you will come at the fitness level of gentle yoga. If you have an injury or concern, talk to us — once we know participants’ circumstances, the activities can be adapted.

It’s Brisbane. It’s late October. Shorts are okay, closed shoes are a must. We’ll be outside, so bring a hat. Sunscreen and water bottles are also encouraged. 

Bring an open mind, and some thoughts on your biggest challenges. The clearer you are with the challenges you and your organisation are experiencing, the better able we’ll be to put our collective genius toward exploring and solving them. Prepare to be both a learner, and a teacher. Some questions to ponder:

• What are the challenges people face in your organisation?

• Do people do what you ask them to do? The way that you wanted them to do it?

• What’s the culture like at work? Is what you’re doing to change it working?

• How do you get on with your leader? Do you communicate successfully?

• How do your people feel about their work?

• What do your people think about you?

Typically, we run Working Together as a residential program, which allows participants to be fully present throughout. In this case, it is not necessary to stay at the recommended accommodation, but we do ask you to commit to attend for the entirety of the program for all 3 days. The group challenges and discussions depend on every member’s contributions.

While it’s not required to stay overnight, it can enhance the experience as participants get a chance to spend time together socially as well as during the program. We have a room block at the Jephson Hotel.

Program participants are eligible for a 10% discount: book by phone or email and let them know you’re part of the “Working Together” program.

Yes! The Working Together program was originally designed for in-tact teams, but also works well for clarifying and improving work relationships across departments. Let us know about your needs by sending a message to Michael.Doyle@vatic.com.au.

Dr. Ian Macdonald, Dr. Catherine Burke, and Karl Stewart developed Systems Leadership Theory based on 60+ years of research across countries and industries. Building on the work of Elliot Jacques, Systems Leadership Theory is an integrated set of concepts that draws on the wisdom of a diverse group of organizational experts, and offers practical tools for creating positive organisations. Learn more about Systems Leadership at systemsleadership.org.uk.

The Working Together program was designed by Dr. Ian MacDonald in partnership with his brother, Brigadier Roderick MacDonald, as a practically explicable experiential learning course based in Systems Leadership Theory. Ian and Roderick drew from their observations and insights into problem solving and collaboration gained through advising global organisations and through service in the British army.

Yes! Now in its second edition, “Systems Leadership: Creating Positive Organizations” was written by Dr. Ian Macdonald, Dr. Catherine Burke, and Karl Stewart.

Complementing this text is a guide for practical application released in 2025, called “The Work of Management,” by the same authors.