Connected Leadership: Core Pathway
Pathway aims
The Core Pathway of the Connected Leadership Programme is designed for experienced senior leaders who want to take a more intensive ‘deep dive’ into their leadership practice. The pathway runs in cohorts over a five-month period and comprises:
- Two full-day workshops (on campus)
- a 360 assessment of leadership practice
- Three action learning sets
These activities are underpinned by the theme of ‘connection’, and you will explore how your leadership approach connects to your purpose, your team and the University. You will explore and identify the actions you need to take as a leader to align to these areas. The core pathway can be integrated with our six specialist modules which are available as part of this programme. We recommend undertaking one specialist module alongside the Core Pathway.
By the end of the programme, you will have:
- An understanding of the key organisational development themes relating to leadership at the University, including dialogical leadership, strategy, values and community.
- An increased understanding of the importance of self-awareness in leadership and an opportunity to explore techniques to embed this into your practice.
- The ability to listen to feedback and apply self-awareness in a leadership context at the University.
- An increased awareness of how to apply organisational development themes to your own local context.
- Developed a professional network with other leaders across the organisation.
- Participated in peer-to-peer learning.
Who is the Core Pathway for?
The Connected Leadership Core Pathway is recommended for experienced senior leaders who want to explore their leadership practice and are seeking to broaden and expand their leadership network. For the purpose of leadership development, we define leaders as “colleagues who have responsibility to advance University priorities through the engagement of others”. If you're not sure whether this pathway would be suitable for you, please get in touch by emailing leadership@leeds.ac.uk.
Pathway structure
The pathway comprises of the following activities:
- Workshop one – Explore strategy, purpose and values, with practical exercises in creating a culture of dialogue and building networks.
- Workshop two – Explore self-awareness in leadership, with practical exercises in understanding personal values and listening to feedback.
- 360 assessment – Undertake a 360 assessment of leadership effectiveness, supported by a one-to-one coaching session with a member of the OD&PL team.
- Action Learning Groups – Attend a set of three Action Learning Groups in you have the opportunity to share challenges and support, examine and appreciate each other’s leadership practice.
- Review and reflection – A review event at the end of the programme brings all participants back together to reflect on their learning. The pathway is supported by a PebblePad for participants to note reflections and find resources.
Facilitator bios
The Core Pathway is designed and led by two highly experienced Facilitators from OD&PL.
Laura Cunliffe, Organisational Learning Partner, OD&PL
Laura is an Organisational Learning Partner in OD&PL. She is an experienced people professional with expertise in organisational development consultancy, leadership development and facilitation skills. Laura believes strongly in the value of experiential learning and is a skilled action learning practitioner. Laura is an accredited coach and mentor and enjoys helping individuals to identify and develop their strengths, gain confidence and reach their potential.
Laura joined the University of Leeds in 2004 and has worked with a wide range of communities and leaders across the organisation during the past twenty years. She has extensive experience of working in partnership with leaders on projects relating to bespoke leadership development programmes, action learning, team development, workplace culture, establishing leaders’ networks and aligning objectives and plans to strategy. Laura is passionate about finding ways to enable colleagues to come together to connect, learn and support each another within an inclusive environment.
Vicky Meadows, Organisational Learning Partner, OD&PL
Vicky joined the University of Leeds as an Organisational Learning Partner in January 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. She is passionate about empowering leaders and individuals with the skills they need to thrive in the workplace and believes that effective leadership is strengthened by connection and community.
Vicky’s approach is informed by her breadth of experience as a facilitator, consultant and leader. She joined the University of Leeds from Sheffield Hallam University, where she delivered projects in a range of areas including change management, reverse mentoring and EDI. Prior to her transition into HE she led an organisational improvement consultancy, working closely with Executive Teams in a range of industries including health, housing, transport and local government. She is adept at helping individuals and organisations translate strategy into action and is particularly interested in the role that personal values and self-awareness play in effective leadership.
Dates and booking links
The following sessions will all take place on campus.
Cohort 1 dates
Please note: applications for this cohort are now closed – the deadline for this cohort was 6 December 2024.
- Core workshop 1 – 16 January 2025
- Core Workshop 2 – 13 February 2025
- Review session – 11am-12noon, 19 June 2025
Cohort 2 dates
- Core workshop 1 – 30 April 2025
- Core Workshop 2 – 4 June 2025
- Review session – 11am-12noon, 12 November 2025
Cohort 3 dates
- Core workshop 1 – 9 October 2025
- Core Workshop 2 – 5 November 2025
- Review session – 11am-12noon, 17 March 2026