Successfully implementing organisational strategy requires clarity on individual responsibilities and contributions, as well as a recognition of the collective accountability needed from leadership teams during times of change.
The brief:
Our client was midway through the delivery of a 10-year strategy. Significant progress in institutional performance had been made to date, but primarily via strong leadership from the top of the university. However, the university executive was acting largely as a group of individuals rather than a connected leadership team. There was a recognised need to adopt a connected mindset across the executive whereby the best interests and ambitions of the university were prioritised, to ensure success of their ambition. Strive Higher was asked to design and facilitate a 2-day 'Connected Mindset' leadership programme to develop engagement and personal investment in adopting the mindset, goals and associated actions to lead, behave and think as one connected and high-performing executive leadership team in pursuit of this goal.
Our approach:
Our approach began with identifying and developing sub-strategies that would support the broader vision, actively involving the leadership team to foster a unified perspective. Over a two-day event, we conducted tailored activities that invited participants to explore key issues from varied angles. This setup encouraged team members to connect more deeply, collaborate effectively, and enrich discussions on a pivotal strategic topic.
Through this process, we helped develop a shared leadership vision, identifying common themes across all areas, which strengthened commitment to action. As facilitators, we ensured participants felt both engaged and empowered to contribute fully. By creating a confidential and supportive environment, we fostered open, honest dialogue, enabling new ideas to surface and a sense of collective agreement and commitment to emerge.
The result was a cohesive and actionable strategy, built on a foundation of collaboration, mutual understanding, and clear direction for the leadership team moving forward.
Since then, we have been re-engaged for further development work with the executive team as well as facilitation support with the university’s Council.
Outcomes:
An increased understanding of collective influence on institutional performance
A shared appreciation of leadership within a connected mindset framework
Agreement on shared goals and timelines on enablers to positively impact progress
Agreement on the mechanisms to review, redirect and accelerate progress in ways that foster trust and collaboration
Read more about our Inclusive Leadership service offering.