The Leadership Experience - Leading on the Edge

We are experiencing unprecedented times of uncertainty. What leaders had thought to be relatively certain can no longer be regarded as such. In such turbulent times we need people who are effective at leading in ambiguity; who are prepared for the unexpected and can manage their own emotions and anxieties and those of others who follow them. Traditional leadership programmes can fail to effectively prepare participants in this way. The FLE is completely different; it enables participants to experience leading in ambiguity and to build the 'muscle memory' required to do this effectively back in the workplace.

What does the programme cover?
This is a unique programme which challenges and stretches the participants. During the experiential phase of the programme you will be leading a company, dealing with some of the critical incidents and exposed to the challenges that face real life leaders.

What will I learn?
Supported by experienced tutors and your own leadership coach you will accelerate your leadership development. This incorporates learning:

• About yourself and how others perceive you
• The effectiveness of your leadership skills
• How to identify your potential ‘derailment’ areas before it’s too late
• The reality of what it’s like to be a visionary leader, rather than a task orientated manager
• How to look at the bigger picture and set visions
• How to deal with the complexity of being a leader.

Who is it for?
You are on a fast track and have been identified as a potential leader of your organisation. You may be part of your organisation's sucession plan.

Your ambition is to take up a senior leadership role in the future.

How will my business benefit?
Your organisation will be investing in its future leaders.

Such an investment is vital to retain high potential employees.

Recommended follow-on programmes:

• Ashridge Leadership Process
• Top Leader Journey

Programme Content

Based on 18 months of rigorous research, the Future Leader's Experience provides an opportunity to accelerate your leadership development. This innovative and largely experiential programme allows people to work through some of the ciritical incidents identified in our research.

Programme Structure

Pre-programme: You'll be contacted by a member of the programme team to discuss your expectations/ objectives to ensure that the programme is right for you: Your next steps are to:

• Have a telephone coaching session with an Ashridge Leadership coach to discuss your objectives for the programme
• Nominate a mentor within your organisation
• Work through the Ashridge Learning Guide on Leadership
• Keep a leadership journal and gain feedback from your colleagues

Programme: You arrive in the evening for the programme start to be briefed and to meet your fellow participants.

Over the next 3 days, we aim to accelerate your leadership development by projecting you into the future. You are a Director of an organisation, working with other members of the Board, dealing with various challenges along the way. These challenges were highlighted by our research to be some of the critical learning events that current leaders said had influenced and shaped their careers. You are given thorough, supportive tutor and participant feedback on your strengths and areas for development.

What makes this programme different?

• We believe this programme is unique. It gives you the opportunity to put your leadership skills into place and try them out in a safe and supportive environment.
• Based on 18 months of research, it reflect the experiences that leaders shared with us.
• The opportunity to network with fellow future leaders
• Access to the Virtual Learning Resource Centre
• E-share facility to maintain valuable networks established on the programme
• The inspirational surroundings of Ashridge to stimulate your creativity and your ability to look at things from a different angle!