Filtered by Category: Articles

Why Great Leaders Coach Their People (And How You Can Too)Why Great Leaders Coach Their People (And How You Can Too)

Why Great Leaders Coach Their People (And How You Can Too)

Aly McNicoll - 10 August 2026

If you're a not for profit leader, (or leading anyone) you've probably been told that you should be coaching your team. But with never-ending meetings, KPIs, and the daily juggle, coaching can feel like a “nice-to-have” rather than a non-negotiable.

The truth is, regular coaching isn’t just a fluffy add-on to leadership—it’s one of the most powerful ways to build capability, boost engagement, and get results.

Read More
Learning the Craft: The Value of Coaching in Public PolicyLearning the Craft: The Value of Coaching in Public Policy

Learning the Craft: The Value of Coaching in Public Policy

Aly McNicoll - 29 July 2026

Regular coaching by senior policy writers plays a critical role in building capability and confidence among less experienced staff. Through structured coaching conversations, emerging policy advisors gain insight into how experienced practitioners analyse complex issues, balance evidence and risk, and craft clear, well-reasoned advice for Ministers and stakeholders. This accelerates learning beyond formal training and helps newer staff develop sound judgement, stronger writing skills, and a deeper understanding of the organisation’s quality standards and expectations.

Read More
Peer Coaching Groups: Unlocking Leadership Capability from WithinPeer Coaching Groups: Unlocking Leadership Capability from Within

Peer Coaching Groups: Unlocking Leadership Capability from Within

Aly McNicoll - 22 June 2026

Organisations today face a common challenge: how do you develop leaders at scale while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning across the business?

Traditional leadership development programmes often rely heavily on external expertise, formal training, and one-to-one coaching. While these approaches have value, they can be expensive, difficult to scale, and may not fully leverage one of the organisation's greatest assets—its own people.

Peer coaching groups offer a powerful alternative.

Read More
NZCMC presents peer mentoring workshops at the Atlantic Institute, OxfordNZCMC presents peer mentoring workshops at the Atlantic Institute, Oxford

NZCMC presents peer mentoring workshops at the Atlantic Institute, Oxford

Aly McNicoll - 30 August 2024

A highlight of my year was the invitation I received to present workshops at the global convening for leaders hosted by the Atlantic Institute in Oxford, UK. The Atlantic Institute, part of the Rhodes Scholars network, brings together fellows from around the world who are leaders  working on projects and initiatives in the areas of social, brain, and health equity. 

I was invited to run sessions on peer mentoring and coaching skills—practical tools to strengthen the leadership journeys of these remarkable fellows. A central focus of the workshops was the use of peer mentoring groups as a methodology for providing an extra layer of both personal and professional support. These groups are designed to help leaders as they return home to their own countries and organisations after their 12 month leadership development programme.

Read More
Peer Group Coaching - Employment Today ArticlePeer Group Coaching - Employment Today Article

Peer Group Coaching - Employment Today Article

Aly McNicoll - 20 December 2018

One-on-one coaching is effective, but to truly leverage learning in the workplace, peer group coaching is the way of the future, says Aly McNicoll. It’s a cost-effective way to cascade coaching throughout an entire organisation.

Originally published in Employment Today 224, December 2018

Read More
13 Crackers for Systemic Team Coaches 13 Crackers for Systemic Team Coaches

13 Crackers for Systemic Team Coaches

Peter Hawkins - 19 December 2018

Several of the systemic team coaches I supervise and work with in America, said that one of the most powerful parts of the training they had done with me was the memorable one-liners that I ‘peppered’ throughout the training.  They suggested I brought these together in a collection. I hope you enjoy them and find them helpful.

Read More
 
Send Enquiry