Accessible Learning For Self-Leadership

Cultivating balanced, engaging and successful leadership takes hard work. No one understands this more than a global premium drinks company with an impressive portfolio of brands. With teams operating in multiple time zones, languages and cultures, their learning and development has to be carefully designed and delivered. Having established a relationship in 2022 and following the successful delivery of a series of continuous performance management sessions, this client said that Alchemist seemed like a natural fit to fulfil their new brief.

As part of an overarching leadership roadmap, the client wanted to create a series of short learning programmes in a sprint format. Their focus was on Leading Self, working on the philosophy that in order to lead others, you must first understand how to lead yourself. It was crucial that these modules didn’t feel onerous to the participants and were accessible to leaders at every level of the business, hence a shorter cycle as opposed to a convoluted six-month self leadership programme.

Compact Self Leadership Learning Journeys

To answer the client’s brief, Alchemist designed a series of four-week, compact programmes. Each programme catered to 30 participants. They focused on a different area of self-leadership, such as self-awareness, resilience, learning agility and communication. Two sessions were delivered over the space of four weeks for each topic.

The first week of the Sprint focused on a series of self-led learning resources, designed to be available within LXP (Learning Experience Platform) and tailored to the relevant topic. This was followed by the first live virtual session in week two, which brought together the self-led content for the first two weeks.

During the third week of this highly engaging Learning Sprint, participants were given the opportunity to apply their learning from week one in a post-session task ahead of the next phase. Finally, in the fourth week, another live virtual session was delivered but this time it was an immersive and interactive experience featuring an actor.

For some of the final live sessions, actors were disguised as part of the wider team and asked to disrupt the session in a way that challenged what the participants had learned so far. For instance, as part of the self-awareness Learning Sprint, an actor might engage in a live conversation demonstrating behaviour indicative of low self-awareness. This stirs uncomfortable feelings in the rest of the group, highlighting the importance of the teachings.

Collaborative Working Across The Globe

The specific design of these programmes was intended to dial-up the existing, positive culture that already exists, as opposed to facilitating a cultural overhaul. The feedback from these short self leadership programmes has been very positive. The demand and enthusiasm for the first programme saw an oversubscription of over 400% (142 people registered their interest with only 30 places available).

It’s not just the learning that can leave an impact, however. Through feedback it’s clear that participants found the experience particularly enriching because of who they experienced it with. There aren’t always opportunities to collaborate cross-functionally in daily work, particularly at an international scale. The design of these programmes meant that 30 colleagues from around the globe, in various job roles, had the opportunity to come together – some for the first time. Having the opportunity to share ideas, knowledge, culture and experiences with other people they don’t usually have the chance to speak to was fulfilling for these participants. It highlighted that most leaders face similar challenges, perhaps in different ways, creating a sense of shared experience and support.

Positive feedback scores averaged 96% across the three programmes delivered to date, showing excellent engagement and satisfaction for learners. Alchemist facilitators have had excellent feedback from this client. 100% of participants agreed (most Strongly Agreed) that facilitators demonstrated good knowledge and adapted well to the needs of the group. Through close collaboration and investment, they have taken the time to understand the organisational culture and adapt to the needs of participants during live sessions. This maximises the impact on the clients, values and culture.

Engage Your Leaders With Shorter Learning Programmes

Learning doesn’t have to be long, complicated or boring. As evidenced by this project, it can be short, sharp and engaging, keeping your leaders on their toes. To find out more about how a compact series of sessions could transform self leadership skills across your organisation, get in touch: