In recent years, public discourse has been shaped by intense scrutiny of leadership behaviours – many leaders have been called out, sometimes publicly shamed, for behaviours or language perceived as exclusive or out of step with evolving social norms. In addition, today’s leaders face mounting pressure to take positions on complex social issues while maintaining credibility and cohesion within diverse teams. 

This workshop is a practical guide for leaders who want to build trust, hold steady through discomfort, and lead with fairness and clarity - every day.

Rather than fuelling fear about what not to say or do, this session offers a constructive path forward. Participants explore how to navigate cultural tension, give meaningful feedback, and use values as a compass, without losing influence or authenticity.

By equipping leaders with tools to respond wisely and confidently, this workshop becomes a timely and essential addition to any organisation committed to cohesion, fairness, and the dignity of all its people.

Learning outcomes

Participants will leave able to:

• Understand the social shifts and drivers of polarisation that affect trust and cohesion in teams.
• Reflect on their own identity, values, and leadership impact.
• Use mana-enhancing practices to guide leadership that upholds dignity and cohesion.
• Respond clearly and respectfully when someone crosses a line.
• Apply simple, inclusive communication tools to build and maintain trust.

Find out more about your facilitator Gita Jayaram.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026

Time: 9:30-12:30pm
Venue: Online

Investment: Member $285+GST per person; Non-member $375+GST per person

Please note this workshop will not be recorded so book your spot and put the date in your calendar!

Audience

This workshop is designed for people leaders and middle managers who want to foster strong, values-based teams—particularly those navigating cultural complexity or leading in high-trust, high-stakes environments.

It also supports senior leaders, HR practitioners, and culture champions seeking practical tools to uphold inclusive values and reinforce team cohesion. The session is relevant across sectors and is especially valuable in regulated or public-facing industries.

Please note: To be able to book this workshop/event at member pricing, each individual of a member organisation who wants to attend must be a contact in our database. If you are unsure if we have you listed as a contact for your organisation please email membership@workplaceinclusion.org.nz. We will check your details and add you to our database. If you are booking for others in your organisation, please send their details (name, job title, email address and phone number) and we will add them to database before you start your booking.  We will then let you know when you can start your booking.