Details

Category: Analytical Leadership & Management

Published: Wednesday, 21 May 2014 10:44

Written by: Matt Pye - HWD

Overview

100% of delegates said that they would recommend this course to their colleagues. All agree that the course met the stated objective and also met their personal learning requirements. All delegates gave the modules the highest ratings.

This course is for Grade 7 equivalents and above, who head mixed analytical units/team, or who aspire to do so.  The aim of this course is to equip participants with many of the key skills needed to perform effectively at senior level in the government analytical service, the wider SCS and in roles outside of government.  It is a highly engaging and intensive programme spread over 3 months, comprising of 3x2 day modules, each focusing on a different aspect of the analytical leadership required to attain high performance at this level in Government.  Each participant will receive personalised feedback on their impact and approach and coaching.

Key Features

• Guest speakers
• 121 Coaching and feedback on personal approach
• Practice sessions tailored towards Government and wider analytical environment
• Project and practice work between modules to embed learning
• Practice of critical interactions you find yourself in at this level with feedback and support
• Networking with colleagues

Course syllabus

The syllabus consists of the following three modules:

Module 1: Authentic senior leadership within the government analytical service
Module 2: Managing staff and contractors and teams
Module 3: Leading effective relationships with the wider stakeholder environment

Module 1: Authentic senior leadership within the government analytical service

This 2-day module provides a space for participants to explore their own authentic leadership approach within the analytical environment.  By increasing self-awareness, the module explores the themes of confidence, authenticity and assertiveness as a leader, in terms of how we view ourselves and the impact we can have as we try to engage others.  Participants will be given the space and guidance to think about what they do to encourage engaged followership in their teams, the wider government and analytical environment and how to create a positive impact on others with presence and confidence.

Learning Objectives

1. Distinguish between the roles of managing and leading at a senior level within the government analytical service, understanding the unique responsibilities and expectations associated with each role.
2. Explore the importance of interpersonal and intrapersonal leadership skills in fostering effective leadership within the analytical environment.
3. Define and develop your own authentic leadership style within your profession, aligning personal values and strengths with leadership practices.
4. Learn strategies to cultivate and demonstrate professional confidence and assertiveness as a senior leader when collaborating with other analytical professionals.
5. Identify critical leadership behaviors and techniques necessary to effectively represent your analysis and influence decision-making processes.
6. Develop the ability to create an engaging and commanding presence as a leader, leveraging presence, body language, and communication skills to inspire and motivate others.
7. Craft and effectively communicate a robust, customer-responsive, and imaginative vision for collecting, analysing, and utilising evidence within your leadership role.

Module 2: Managing staff, contractors and teams (2 days)

The focus of Module 2 is developing skills and approaches to get the best out of those you manage, be they staff, contractors or mixed teams.  The module covers how to set those you manage up for success, flexing your style and delegating to others effectively.  The workshop also explores how to effectively approach others when you need to see an increase in performance or change in behaviour.  The module gives participants a chance to practice critical skills with live scenarios and receive personalised feedback on their approach.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop strategies for setting others up for success within your profession, including providing clear expectations, resources, and support to optimise performance.
2. Gain techniques to gain commitment and harness the motivation of individuals and teams, unlocking their potential for high performance.
3. Learn effective delegation skills to distribute work efficiently, empower team members, and promote professional growth and development.
4. Acquire the necessary skills to handle difficult performance conversations with tact and empathy, addressing performance gaps and fostering improvement.
5. Understand the key factors that contribute to building a high-performing analytical team, including stages of team development and fostering collaboration and synergy.
6. Explore the challenges and strategies involved in managing mixed and diverse teams, leveraging differences for innovation and fostering inclusivity.
7. Gain insights into effective chairing of meetings, including facilitation techniques, fostering participation, and driving productive outcomes.

3. Leading effective relationships within the wider stakeholder environment (2 days)

The focus for this module is on managing the wider stakeholder network participants will typically encounter whilst operating at a senior level in the government analytical service and wider research community.  This includes developing an effective approach to communicating the analytical offer to senior customers including ministers and also how you overcome barriers to engagement.  The module focuses on analysing and engaging the full stakeholder network including internal customers, analytical colleagues within the senior network, key academics, other research organisations and interest groups.  Key themes such as influencing and how to be seen as a trusted advisor will increase participants’ awareness of how they can practically deepen the relationships they have and actions they can take to proactively develop their professional reputations further.  The final module concludes with an opportunity to craft and practice a fully bespoke interaction and receive feedback on tier approach.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop effective communication strategies to articulate the value of your profession in a compelling and accessible manner to senior customers and stakeholders.
2. Identify and analyse stakeholders within both the internal environment and the wider analytical community, understanding their interests, influence, and importance.
3. Learn how to prioritise stakeholders using the stakeholder engagement matrix, allocating resources and efforts based on their level of impact and involvement.
4. Adapt your communication style and approach to effectively engage senior customers who may initially be skeptical or hostile towards your analysis, building rapport and credibility.
5. Develop strategies for managing difficult relationships with senior customers, navigating challenges, and finding common ground to foster productive engagement.
6. Build advocacy and maintain trust in relationships with stakeholders by consistently delivering value, demonstrating expertise, and aligning with their needs and priorities.
7. Engage in a bespoke practice session to craft and refine an interaction tailored to a specific stakeholder, receiving feedback and guidance on your approach to further enhance effectiveness.