Leadership Development

It is acknowledged that managers within the University not only start their roles with different levels of prior experience but that they are likely to have correspondingly different development needs and preferences for their roles.  As a result, a Leadership Development Framework has been introduced and will include the following activities and initiatives:

Executive level coaching is available to members of Senior Staff Forum, who would benefit from such developments.

A diverse range of issues can be brought to the sessions and could include:

• Developing confidence

• Exploring difficult relationships

• Managing feedback

• Managing self in stressful situations

• Improving networking skills

• Increasing political skill

In summary, executive coaching is about working with individuals for them to take action in order to improve their performance.

Individuals who are interested in being considered for Executive level coaching please contact Ian Blachford, Director of Human Resources e: i.blachford@staffs.ac.uk

The Leading for Success programme is designed to develop twenty one leaders who will be members of the Senior Staff Forum and who are recognised as talent the organisation needs to support and nurture for the future. 

The programme is delivered over ten months, with the core of the programme delivered as four 2-day modules.  These modules will be interspersed with four coaching sessions carried out by external executive level coaches. 

Desired outcomes for programme participants include:

• Understanding how to translate corporate vision and values and align people positively with them

• The development of greater self-awareness and enhanced ability to manage staff

• Greater confidence in leading and working with people and managing productive relationships and networks

• Developing greater confidence and skills to act in a diversity of situations

• Developing enhanced understanding of the context in which they are working

• The development of a network of peers who can support each other

Individuals who are interested in being considered for Executive level coaching please contact Ian Blachford, Director of Human Resources e: i.blachford@staffs.ac.uk  Please note that nominations will need to be supported by the relevant Dean/Director.

The Shadowing for Success scheme is available to any manager or aspiring manager who would like to benefit from undertaking a shadowing programme.

It is anticipated that all managers taking part in the scheme will develop a greater insight and awareness of their own personal approach and style, together with learning from others in a range of practical, real work situations.  The anticipated benefits would be for all managers to:

Receive feedback on their own performance in a range of day-to-day leadership and management situations

Provide opportunities for feedback to their shadowing manager on key issues of leadership and management

Reflect on the impact of their own style of leadership and management

Gain valuable exposure to different organisations, cultures and working practices

Extend opportunities for netowrking with key individuals within the region

For further details please email Marj Spiller, Head of Professional Development 

e: m.spiller@staffs.ac.uk 

This new programme is aimed at members of staff who currently have a management role, or who aspire to take on management responsibilities for an academic team in the future. It is anticipated that such responsibilities will normally involve leading others.

The aim of this programme is to equip managers with the skills, knowledge and contextual awareness to be able to perform effectively within their roles. It involves academic managers developing a heightened sense of self-awareness about how they manage and interact with others, both within their own area and across the University.

For further details please email Marj Spiller, Head of Professional Development 

e: m.spiller@staffs.ac.uk