Constant change is a defining element of modern organizational
life, requiring leaders who are flexible, adaptable, and skilled at
working with people. Because executives depend on others to
accomplish their business goals, it is essential that they know
how to get the best from their colleagues.
The pressure to achieve
necessitates constant learning — about their field, their teams,
themselves, and how well their organization is working
as a whole. Few leadership development programs teach executives the
capabilities necessary to leverage their highly developed technical
competencies using new skills that promote individual and
group effectiveness. GISC’s Leadership Program uses a well established
and proven approach for increasing personal impact
that will expand participants’ knowledge about themselves as
leaders — helping them build on personal strengths and develop
the potential of those with whom they work.
The program is presented in two modules over a five-month
period. It requires a commitment to attend both modules and
to conduct an individual learning inquiry that relates to their
organization between sessions. Each participant will be provided
with an experienced executive coach who will work with them
during Session One, in the time between Sessions One and Two,
and following the completion of the program to support the
integration and application of their learning.
The program provides a range of learning methods, including
experiences which promote immediate personal insight,
opportunities for intensive skill practice, plus time to reflect on
one’s own leadership profile within an organization. Participants
will return to their organizations with new skills, increased
confidence to lead effectively, and fresh perspectives on the role
they perform.
Session One:
Understanding Myself as a Leader
This work focuses on enhancing participants’ self-perception
and building leadership presence. The unique opportunity to
receive feedback from peers and faculty and to expand their range
of behaviors provides participants an opportunity to make an
immediate impact on their practical leadership skills. The
session will include the following:
An exploration of core leadership values and assumptions.
Practice with a simple model to enhance effectiveness and
authenticity of communication.
Heightening appreciation of elements of presence and style
of influence.
Introduction to action inquiry as a leadership tool.
Use of coaching skills in leadership.
Meetings with individual executive coaches in preparation
for intersession work.
Session Two:
Leading Groups & Influencing Change
This work focuses on the skills required for leading and
participating in groups, and is enriched by extensive practical
experience in how groups function most effectively. The renowned
Cape Cod Model will be applied to leadership through participation
in a full case study during which experiential sessions will provide
intense practice in conducting impactful meetings and obtaining
commitment to joint actions. The important dynamics of power
issues will be addressed, along with a comprehensive model for
managing change. The session will include the following:
Seeing patterns of interactions in teams and small groups.
Supporting the healthy functioning of teams.
Using strategic and interpersonal skills in a balanced and
effective way.
Using power and hierarchy.
Seeing the interrelationship of multiple levels of organizations.
Meetings with individual executive coaches to integrate learning.
Individual Executive Coaching
In order to ensure the individual application of the learning, each
participant will be paired with an experienced executive coach.
They will work together one-on-one and as part of a coaching
team during and between both sessions to explore specific
application of the learning to their role and organization.
About the Program:
Leadership in the 21st Century:
Board members and faculty Bridget Farrands and Paul Rookwood describe Leadership in the 21st Century
“Leadership in the 21st Century has been a revelation to me. It is a life-changing experience, really. What I like about the program is that whereas it talks to leadership, it is not only confined to business - it is leadership in all the facets of life - your family, your friends, your peers. For business I think it was amazing, it was overwhelming. The learning I got from the program is that the world is so full of possibilities. The way we look at the world limits us. We think there is a specific way of addressing things and that is the only way. This program brings some inspiration to say don’t limit yourself — think and consolidate on the positives. Negatives will always be there in any process, but don’t focus your attention on the negative, focus on the positive so that very little of your energy goes to the negative. For me that was powerful learning.”
Stadi Mngomezulu
Chief Financial Officer
National Treasury of South Africa
