Introduction: Finding the Right Team Development Consultant in 2025

Let's be honest. Finding the right team development consultant feels a bit like dating. There are plenty of options out there, but most of them won't be the right fit. And some of them will waste your time with fancy presentations that don't actually change anything.

This guide is here to help you cut through the noise. I've done the legwork so you don't have to scroll through endless LinkedIn profiles wondering who's actually good at this stuff.

Why team development matters more than ever

Here's the thing. Your team members are dealing with more pressure, faster change, and higher expectations than ever before. Remote work, hybrid setups, shifting markets. It's a lot.

Most teams aren't hitting their potential. Not because people aren't talented, but because there's friction. Unclear roles. Low trust. People stepping on each other's toes. Sound familiar?

Good team development creates psychological safety, clarity, and structure. It lets your right people do their best work without constantly bumping into walls. When you get this right, you unlock high performance across your entire organization.

Who this guide is for

This one's for you if you're a CEO, principal, founder, HR leader, or team leader trying to figure out how to help your people work better together.

Maybe you're running a school leadership team that's stuck in endless meetings. Maybe you're a business owner watching talented people clash instead of collaborate. Maybe you're in human resources trying to find consultants who actually deliver business results.

Whatever your situation, you'll find something useful here.

How to use this list

Don't just skim the names. Take a few minutes to understand what each consultant actually does and who they work with best.

Think about your team's performance right now. What's the real problem? Communication? Trust? Decision-making? Match the consultant to the challenge, not the other way around.

What Makes An Effective Team Development Consultant

The difference between training, coaching, and real team development

Training gives people information. Executive coaching builds individual capabilities. But real team development? That changes how your leadership team actually behaves on a Tuesday afternoon when things get stressful.

The best consultants blend all three. They don't just run a fun workshop and disappear. They help teams build new skills, shift team dynamics, and create habits that stick long after the session ends.

I've seen too many teams go through expensive programs and come back to the office exactly the same. That's not team development. That's entertainment.

Signals a consultant actually shifts behaviour, not just runs workshops

Here's what to look for. Do they use a diagnostic tool to understand what's actually going on? Do they offer follow-up coaching? Can they point to measurable outcomes and behavioral changes?

If they talk about psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and how behavior actually shifts over time, you're probably onto something good.

If they just talk about "inspiring your team" and "unlocking potential" without any substance underneath, keep looking. Great slogans don't create cohesive teams.

Red flags to watch out for

Run the other way if a consultant promises culture changes in a single day. That's not how organizational culture works. It's not how humans work.

Be wary of anyone who relies too heavily on personality tests without connecting them to practical action. Tests can provide actionable insights, but they're tools, not solutions.

And if their slides look like they were made in 2007? That might actually be the least of your problems.

Featured Consultant: Jonno White and Clarity Group Global

Who I am and the kinds of teams I work with

I'm Jonno, and I work with executive teams, school leadership groups, and boards who want clarity, trust, and momentum. Over the years, I've had the privilege of coaching CEOs and senior executives across Australia, the United States, New Zealand, South Africa, and beyond.

I'm not going to pretend I'm neutral here. This is my list, and yes, I included myself. But I also included twenty other consultants who could genuinely be great fits for your team. More on why I did that later.

My facilitation style is direct. I help leaders finally say what they've been thinking but haven't been able to articulate. What's working. What's not. What has to change. I use practical frameworks that make those conversations productive instead of painful. And I've written about this extensively in my book Step Up or Step Out, which has sold over 10,000 copies worldwide and helped leaders from the UK to India to Mongolia navigate difficult conversations with their teams.

If you're curious whether I might be able to help your team, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. I'm always happy to have a conversation.

How I use Working Genius to unlock team performance

Working Genius has become one of my favorite tools for helping team leaders understand why their teams get stuck. As a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, I've seen firsthand how this assessment, now completed by over 1.3 million people in just five years, transforms the way teams work together.

Here's the idea. Everyone on your team has natural strengths in the work process. Some people are brilliant at ideation. Others thrive in activation or execution. When you map your team's geniuses, you suddenly see why certain tasks stall and where the gaps are.

I've watched teams go from frustrated to aligned in a single session. It's not magic. It's just giving people a common vision and shared language for what's been driving them crazy.

When a Working Genius team intervention is the right first step

If your team struggles with open communication, accountability, role clarity, or just feels exhausted all the time, Working Genius is a great starting point.

It's particularly effective for:

• New teams trying to figure out how to work together

• Senior executives who keep stepping on each other's toes

• Teams going through transition or leadership development program changes

• School leadership teams with too many meetings and not enough momentum

I've delivered Working Genius sessions to groups ranging from intimate executive teams to whole-staff professional development days with over 180 participants. Whether you need a half-day intensive or a full leadership workshops series, we can design something that fits.

Examples of outcomes from executive teams and school leadership teams

Here's what teams I've worked with typically report after our sessions.

Meetings get shorter and more productive. People stop talking past each other. There's less conflict and more trust. Decision-making speeds up because everyone understands their role.

One school principal told me her team finally stopped relitigating the same decisions every week. That's team effectiveness in action. Another client described the offsite we did together as "the best we've ever had" after years of less impactful retreats.

Executive teams often find renewed alignment around strategic priorities. They stop spinning their wheels and start moving toward their business goals. Individual leaders report gaining clarity not just about their teams, but about themselves.

How to work with me in Australia and internationally

I'm based in Brisbane, Australia and work with teams in person and virtually across the country and around the world. I work with many leaders outside of Australia, with listeners tuning into my Leadership Conversations Podcast from over 150 countries.

Whether you need a half-day working session, a full-day deep dive, keynote speaking for your conference, or an extended engagement with follow-up coaching, we can design something that fits.

Reach out at [email protected] and let's talk about what your team actually needs. I'll be honest about whether I'm the right fit or if someone else on this list might serve you better.

How I Chose These 21 Team Development Consultants

Criteria I used to shortlist this group

I looked for depth, credibility, and evidence of real results.

Every consultant on this list uses some form of diagnostic tool or assessment. They all have coaching capability. They all work with practical frameworks that create sustained change, not just inspiration.

I wasn't interested in listing people who run great events but don't shift behavior. That's not what effective teams need.

The mix: global firms, boutique specialists and regional experts

You'll find well-known global firms here, boutique specialists who offer personalized attention, and regional experts who understand local organizational culture.

The mix is intentional. Your team might need the scale and structure of a large corporation's approach. Or you might need someone who can work closely with individual leaders over time. Different teams, different needs.

Why I included other consultants who could be considered my "competitors"

This question comes up a lot. Why would I recommend my competition?

Here's my honest answer. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to team development. What works brilliantly for one top team might not work for another.

Your team deserves the best fit. If that's me, fantastic. If it's someone else on this list, that's fine too. I'd rather you find a consultant who actually helps than hire me and get mediocre results.

Plus, I've learned a ton from studying how other consultants approach this work. Iron sharpens iron.

21 Effective Team Development Consultants To Consider In 2025

Jonno White, Clarity Group Global (Australia and Global)

I help executive teams and school leadership teams gain clarity, trust, and momentum using Working Genius and practical behavioral frameworks. As a Certified Working Genius Facilitator and best-selling author, I bring both proven methodologies and real-world experience to every engagement.

My style is direct. I don't waste time. Teams seeking clear breakthroughs, fast alignment, and sustained behavior change tend to get the most from working with me. I've also founded The 7 Questions Movement, where over 6,000 leaders globally have shared their insights on leadership, and I host Global Leadership Roundtables that bring together decision-makers from various industries worldwide.

If you want someone who'll tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear, let's talk. You can reach me at [email protected].

Keogh Consulting (Australia)

Keogh does excellent work blending strategy, culture, and leadership development. They bring clarity and accountability to large corporations and mid-sized organizations alike.

Their structured methodology is particularly effective for organizations undergoing transformation. If you need deeper culture changes grounded in evidence and human-centered design, they're worth a conversation.

Change2020 (Australia)

Change2020 focuses on helping leadership teams navigate complexity. They're particularly good at building trust and facilitating honest conversations when teams are facing mergers, strategic shifts, or major organizational changes.

Their approach suits senior executives who need to build resilience and alignment during turbulent times.

HumanX (Australia)

HumanX brings a behavioral science approach to the table. They emphasize psychological safety, leadership capabilities, and adaptive mindsets.

If you're thinking about the future of work and want to build team skills that will matter in five or ten years, they're a strong choice for professional development.

Performance Potential (Australia)

Performance Potential designs customized programs that develop leadership strengths and team behaviors using evidence-based tools.

They're great at coaching-based development with measurable improvement. If you want to track progress and see performance management metrics shift over time, check them out.

People Measures (Australia)

People Measures has organizational psychologists at its core. They deliver rigorous team development rooted in diagnostics and behavioral analysis.

If you want deep psychological insight and high-quality assessment-led interventions, they bring serious credibility. Perfect for organizations wanting to understand group dynamics at a deeper level.

WCA Solutions (Australia)

WCA Solutions focuses on communication, team codes, conflict reduction, and performance fundamentals. Their programs are practical, accessible, and highly engaging.

They're a strong option for operational teams needing structure, morale, and alignment. Sometimes the fundamentals are exactly what a team needs.

Lumian Consulting (Australia)

Lumian helps teams improve trust, communication, and collaboration through tailored facilitation and strategic alignment.

If your team needs better connection and clearer relational dynamics, they do excellent work creating safe environments for honest conversation.

Leadership and Change Consultants (Australia)

This consultancy supports organizations through strategic planning, team building, and alignment of direct reports with their leaders.

Best suited for teams needing clearer direction, governance, and team cohesion at the senior level.

Manning Consultants (Team Development for Law Firms, Australia)

Manning Consultants specialize in legal teams, which makes them unique on this list. They blend legal experience with the Team Management Systems framework.

If you're running a law firm dealing with communication breakdown, workload tension, or cultural fragmentation, they understand your specific challenges in ways generalist consultants don't.

People Solutions (Australia)

People Solutions uses robust diagnostics and organizational psychology to address performance, culture, and team cohesion.

They're a reliable choice for organizations wanting measurable insights and targeted development. Their employee engagement survey tools provide solid baseline data.

Farleigh Performance (UK)

Farleigh Performance focuses on leadership teams seeking clarity, capability, and improved strategic execution.

They bring a grounded, performance-focused approach ideal for UK organizations navigating growth or change. No fluff, just practical improvement.

Beacon Consult (Australia based, national reach)

Beacon helps teams align around purpose, values, and behavioral expectations while improving communication and execution.

Great for organizations wanting cultural uplift anchored in practical leadership habits and clearer mission statements.

Centre for Teams (UK)

Centre for Teams specializes in what they call "teamship." It's about enabling teams to collaborate effectively across complexity.

Strong fit for senior leadership teams needing depth, psychological insight, and strategic alignment. They understand how high-performing teams actually function.

TiER1 Performance (Global)

TiER1 brings behavioral science, strategy, and culture expertise to solve team performance challenges at scale.

Their global footprint makes them ideal for enterprise-scale positive change, hybrid teams, and cross-cultural collaboration. If you're dealing with diverse teams across multiple regions, they get it.

Impact (Global)

Impact delivers experiential team development that blends real-world challenges with behavioral shifts.

Perfect for teams wanting immersive experiences that build resilience, trust, and adaptability. Sometimes getting out of the conference room is exactly what a team needs.

Performance Consultants (Global)

Rooted in the GROW coaching model, they help teams strengthen trust, alignment, and shared accountability through coaching-based development.

Effective for organizations wanting to build coaching cultures and develop strong teams of great leaders.

Egon Zehnder: Team Development and Effectiveness (Global)

Egon Zehnder brings board-level rigor to leadership team effectiveness. They use deep diagnostics to transform senior teams into cohesive, successful teams.

Best for large corporations and complex leadership environments. They also bring expertise in succession planning for key roles.

Leadership Circle Asia Pacific (Australia and Asia Pacific)

Leadership Circle provides leadership and team development built on their research-backed universal leadership model.

Useful for teams needing deep self-awareness and behavior change linked to culture and performance. Their diagnostic tools are particularly sophisticated.

Human Synergistics (Global)

Human Synergistics is known for culture diagnostics like LSI, GSI, and OCI. Their tools reveal underlying norms that shape team behavior and organizational effectiveness.

Great for organizations wanting clear cultural baselines and structured improvement pathways. The data they provide gives you something concrete to work with.

The Grove Consultants International (Global)

The Grove created the Drexler/Sibbet Team Performance Model, which many consultants use. They use visual frameworks to accelerate team clarity and alignment.

Ideal for teams seeking structured, visual approaches to collaboration and project execution. Their models help teams see where they are on their team journeys.

How To Choose The Right Consultant For Your Team

Start with your real team problem, not a favourite tool

This is where most people go wrong. They hear about a cool framework or diagnostic and want to use it, even if it doesn't address their actual problem.

Stop. Take a breath. Ask yourself: what's really frustrating about how this team works?

Is it problem solving? Communication? Trust? Decision-making? Common challenges around execution?

Name the problem first. Then find the consultant whose approach best addresses it. Don't shop for tools. Shop for solutions.

Key questions to ask any team development consultant

Before you hire anyone, ask these questions:

How do you diagnose what's actually going on with a team? What does your process look like from start to finish? What results should I expect, and how will we measure them? How will behavior actually change over time?

A strong consultant answers with clarity and specific skills examples. They'll tell you stories about similar teams. They won't give you vague promises about "transformation" without substance.

How to compare proposals and pricing

Don't just compare price tags. Compare what you're actually getting.

What diagnostics are included? What follow-up support exists? How will progress be measured? What happens if it doesn't work?

Sometimes the cheap option costs you more in the long run because nothing actually changes. Value comes from sustained improvement and positive impact on your work environment.

When to stay local and when to bring in a global firm

Local consultants offer speed, familiarity, and cultural nuance. They understand your context. They can pop in for a quick session when you need them.

Global firms offer scale, structure, and specialized capability. They've seen everything. They can support entire organizations across multiple locations.

Choose based on complexity, stakes, and what kind of change you need. A new leader taking over a small team has different needs than senior executives restructuring a multinational division.

When Working Genius Is The Best Place To Start

Typical team problems that respond well to Working Genius

Working Genius works brilliantly for teams experiencing:

• Unclear roles and confusion about who does what

• Recurring communication breakdowns that drive everyone crazy

• Bottlenecks where work keeps getting stuck

• Low energy and motivation

• Misaligned expectations between team members

The framework helps teams see why tasks stall and where natural strengths sit across the workflow. It often surfaces issues that have been frustrating people for years but nobody could articulate.

As a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, I've seen this assessment unlock breakthroughs in teams ranging from small executive groups to entire organizations. It's become the fastest-growing team assessment in the world for good reason.

Working Genius plus broader team development

Here's the thing. Working Genius is a powerful starting point, but it's not everything.

Long-term transformation requires habit-building, leadership clarity, and intentional team operating rhythms. You can't just take an assessment and expect everything to change.

I use Working Genius as a foundation, then build structures that sustain alignment. That's where the real professional growth happens. Whether through ongoing executive coaching, custom training programs, or leadership workshops, the goal is always to create lasting behavioral changes.

How I partner with executive teams, schools and boards

I guide team leaders through diagnostics, workshops, and follow-up coaching to build a culture of trust and accountability.

School leadership teams often unlock collaboration they didn't know was possible. Boards gain clarity on roles and governance. Executive teams sharpen decision-making and strategic alignment.

The goal is always the same: take your team to the next level and help you achieve team success that actually lasts. If you'd like to explore whether Working Genius might be right for your team, drop me a line at [email protected]. I'm happy to chat about your situation and point you in the right direction.

Next Steps

How to book a Working Genius or team session with me

Want to explore working together? Reach out via email at [email protected] or through my website.

We'll have an initial conversation to clarify your goals. What's working? What's not? What does success look like?

Then we'll choose the right format. Half-day, full-day, keynote speaking, or ongoing engagement with custom training. I'll tailor everything specifically for your team. I've facilitated everything from intimate leadership offsites to conferences with hundreds of participants, and I love the challenge of figuring out what each team needs most.

How to brief any consultant on this list so they can help you faster

Whether you work with me or someone else, here's how to get better results faster.

Define your team's current state honestly. Where do you want to be? What are the specific pain points? Provide context about recent challenges, team structure, and concrete examples of friction.

Clear briefs accelerate meaningful outcomes. The more honest you are upfront, the faster any consultant can help you create a shared vision and drive real results.

Final thoughts: what "effective team development" should feel like six months later

Six months after working with the right consultant, things should feel different.

Meetings feel lighter. Decisions come faster. Conversations are more honest. People actually enjoy working together.

Trust increases. Ownership improves. Work moves faster with less friction. That's what organizational development consultants should deliver.

If that's not what you're experiencing, something went wrong. Hold your consultants accountable for business results, not just good workshop ratings.

That's the standard you should expect. Don't settle for less.