Leading Self: Gestalt Foundations (Blended Learning)

Success, effectiveness and fulfillment in today’s fast-paced, team-based, global work environments require a well developed ability to connect with others and build relationships. Understanding oneself is at the heart of this ability and central to effective workplace relationships, leadership and influence. In this program, your focus will be on developing a greater self awareness and a more profound understanding of your impact on other people, through the integrated use of Gestalt core concepts such as Awareness, Optimism, Presence and the Cycle of Experience. The learning will include tools, self-assessments and practices designed to develop core skills that are essential to leadership, and to building your performance, effectiveness and resilience in today’s complex, fast-moving organizations. This Leading Self program emphasizes the practical application of Gestalt core concepts rather than just focusing on theory. Through interactive online exercises and one-on-one coaching, you will learn and practice the skills that are central to achieving personal awareness, connecting with others, managing stress, collaborating, demonstrating presence and embracing an optimistic stance. This program ( or the in-person program ) is strongly recommended as the starting point for all other core programs in the GISC Leadership Development series. Why take this first? Because we've identified the most vital competencies for your professional success and designed training that will enhance your ability to apply and build on these essential skills and values. This program integrates self-paced, online video lessons taught by two of our leading Gestalt faculty, with reading, reflection, written exercises and assessments. Your learning is supported with live-online group meetings and individual coaching. As a participant in this program you will: Begin with a live-online group session to kick off and orient you to the program. Your learning will be supported by your own leadership coach and group facilitator. Complete the self-paced portion of the program on our online platform and meet with your coach one-on-one during the month following the kick-off. Finish with a second group meeting to wrap up the program and help you integrate what you’ve learned. Please select your start date upon registration. This program is for individual contributors, valued professionals, emerging and experienced leaders, and others wishing to learn the fundamentals of relational leadership practice. The program will help anyone in a leadership role or preparing for leadership gain self-awareness and the personal tools necessary for building strong professional relationships and set the foundation for further skill development. Coaches: This program is International Coach Federation (ICF) certified for 9 core competency hours and 3 resource development hours. Please see the Continuing Education page for full details. Blended Live-Online + Self-Paced Format You will receive complete connection instructions once you register. November/December Cohort: Kick-Off Session: Tuesday, Nov. 10 Wrap-Up Session: Tuesday, Dec. 8 Both sessions meet 12:30-2:00pm Eastern Balance of program is self-paced online, on-demand, on our learning platform. Coaching session scheduled with your faculty coach. Small-group sessions meet via online videoconference Coaches: This program is approved by the ICF for 9 Core Competency and 3 Resource Development Hours November/December Cohort Faculty: Roderick Allen, MSOD, GPHR, PCC Once you register, you will receive access to the online platform and assessments as well as connection instructions for your live-online sessions. "I recently completed the Gestalt International Leading Self program, and it was a truly transformative experience. In today’s fast-paced work environments, I’ve realized that success isn’t all about technical skills it’s about how well we understand ourselves and connect with others. Through Gestalt core concepts like Awareness, Presence, and Optimism, I gained a deeper understanding of my leadership strengths and how to leverage them more effectively. The 5Dynamics energy model was especially eye-opening, helping me recognize how I naturally engage with others and manage my energy at work. The workshop also emphasized practical skills like managing stress, building stronger relationships, and developing leadership presence. By the end, I felt more confident in my ability to connect with others and had a clear plan for continuing my leadership growth. I am looking forward to utilizing the skills learned in my work. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone looking to increase self-awareness and improve their leadership effectiveness." Allyson Rogers, Program Specialist Cape Mediation "The Leading Self program is a great reminder of how crucial leading one's self is to leading others. The course provides great frameworks & concepts that are applicable to the real world.” 2025 Pr