Think Differently Management Programme
Practical Management for Real World Managers
Management isn’t just theory. In actual businesses, big or small, things go sideways when day-to-day management doesn’t match the books. At Think Differently, we’ve built a management course that’s grounded in what actually works, not just what people say works.
What this course is
A hands-on, real-world course for new and developing managers. Over four weeks, you get:
Four half-day in-person sessions with interactive group work & peer learning.
Pre-course work to help you see where you’re strong, where you struggle.
Weekly assignments based on things you deal with at work (not “generic” stuff).
One-on-one follow-ups and review time after the course to help embed what you’ve learned.
What you’ll cover
We cover not just management theory, but management in action. Topics include:
Understanding your own management style + how it fits with your team.
The difference between managing and leading: when to step up (or hold back).
Getting yourself organised: prioritising, avoiding overwhelm
Motivating others: what actually works for people, not what looks good on paper.
Delegating well — so the right stuff gets done, and you’re not overburdened.
Handling change: when things shift, how you move your team through it.
Building high-performance culture: habits and routines for day-to-day wins.
Why this is different
- Small groups (max 5) so you get real attention and feedback.
- Facilitators with decades of real management / business ownership behind them, not just theory.
- We focus on behaviour change, not just knowledge: there’s follow-up so you can make shifts that stick.
- Everything is anchored in your job: assignments, discussions, examples are all what you’re really dealing with.
Who this is for
New managers stepping up from individual contributor roles.
Experienced managers who want to sharpen skills and rethink how they lead.
Business owners who wear a lot of hats and want to manage people more effectively.
Facilitator: Philip Pickford
This program is led by Philip Pickford, whose depth of experience ensures every session is grounded in real-world practice.
- B.Agr.Sc (Massey, 1975), MBA (With Distinction) (Massey, 2004)
- 40 years of management and leadership experience across corporate and SME environments.
- 30 years of hands-on business ownership.
- 20 years of management consultancy experience working closely with New Zealand SMEs.
Philip brings a rare mix of academic insight, practical business ownership, and advisory expertise. He has walked the path himself and knows what works in the real world.
Contact us
Topic areas covered
Here are the topic areas we focus on. Each one ties back into your role so you leave with practical stuff to use straight away.
Your managment style: strengths, blind spots, how you come across to others.
What it means to ‘manage’ vs ‘lead,’ and when each is needed.
Self-management: staying organised, focused, avoiding burnout.
Motivating others: what works, what doesn’t, adapting to different people
Delegation that frees you, not fixes everything yourself.
Prioritisation: figuring out what REALLY matters now.
Navigating change in uncertain times.
Pulling it all together: new insights, current research, application to your work.
A program that delivers results
We are not interested in ticking boxes. This program is about making a real difference in how you manage yourself and others. Participants tell us they walk away with more confidence, stronger management skills, and a clearer vision for their role. Our focus is on helping you apply managment training in ways that improve team performance, reduce stress, and create momentum for the future.
