The Navy Coaching Academy has released its program for 2025 with the development of high-functioning teams at the top of the list of current opportunities for Navy members.
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond officially launched the academy at Indo Pacific 2023.
Since its launch, the academy has provided personal and professional development for more than 1000 individuals through its modules, workshops, and programs, and is supported by more than 50 coaches who are accredited to international standards.
Chief Petty Officer Ann Bradbery has been leading the programming for the new year, which will commence in February 2025.
"Navy members are able to participate in a suite of three facilitated workshops to assist them with using 'A Coaching Approach' to grow a high-functioning team," she said.
"Members then apply their learning in a self-paced workplace activity to gain the additional 'A Coaching Approach to Leading a High-Functioning Team' proficiency."
The workshops include:
1. Building trust in your team
2. Encouraging productive conflict in your team
3. Developing commitment; building accountability; achieving results in your team.
Executive Officer HMAS Ballarat Lieutenant Commander Stefan (Kane) Stuart appreciated the benefits of working with the High-Functioning Team Framework in 2024.
"It was a tremendous opportunity for me to be involved. It has not only been of benefit to me as an individual, but my team has really felt the rewards," he said.
"We have a range of individual ranks in our team, from seaman to lieutenant commander, all of whom engaged with the High-Functioning Team Framework.
"You conduct the workshops with no uniforms, and no ranks. It genuinely gives you the opportunity to understand your colleagues' motivations at a human level. That not only improves your operational tempo as a team, but it also makes coming to work each day a more rewarding experience.
"When I found out about the program from a mentor, I was surprised that Navy offered this type of opportunity.
"We are based at Fleet Base West at the moment, and having Navy Coaching Academy facilitators available through workshops makes it really accessible, which I thought was a great commitment."
Chief Petty Officer Bradbery highlighted the unique nature of the program in Defence.
"The fact that Navy offers this type of development opportunity demonstrates a commitment to the growth of its people and to the advancement of culture, right across our organisation," she said.
"Building social mastery through opportunities like those offered by Navy Coaching Academy are crucial contributions to our collective warfighting mindset."
The Navy Coaching Academy represents the maturity of Next Generation Navy and its focus on social mastery.
Navy's investment in social mastery contributes to personal and professional capability through the empowerment of individuals to undertake self-development.
Navy members are able to apply for high-functioning team workshop suites now via the intranet.
