An introduction to WLP

"Don’t underestimate this programme – it is not about ‘teaching’ you things, it is about opening your eyes and unleashing the leader within"

Nick Milton, Senior Manager, Ernst and Young (April - September 2009 Programme)

What is the WIG Leadership Programme?

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• A personal leadership journey which builds on individuals' strengths and unique abilities
• A structured framework for exposing high potential leaders to broader perspectives and external challenge
• An opportunity for delegates to improve their leadership effectiveness and realise their true potential as leaders

Who is the programme for?

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It is aimed at experienced, talented managers with potential for more senior, strategic leadership positions. In the private sector this will be managers at senior and middle management level. In central government it will normally be those in feeder grades for the Senior Civil Service or those who have been recently promoted to the Senior Civil Service. In local government it will be those up to and including Assistant Director.

What are the key features of the programme?

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A diverse cross-sector group of delegates

• Highly effective, professionally-facilitated action learning sets
• An emphasis on the practical rather than the theoretical with frameworks, tools and techniques that delegates can apply immediately
• High quality speakers, most of whom are strategic leaders drawn from the WIG membership

Based around a framework of 5 modules with one-to-one coaching between modules, the emphasis is on learning rather than teaching. This means there is very little in the way of lectures. Much of the input from the facilitation team focuses on explaining practical tools, drawing out and summarising the learning from experiences within learning sets, or using coaching skills to help delegates build on their strengths, address barriers to success and reach their potential.

The programme includes three residential modules to help build relationships and to create a space away from the workplace for reflection and to facilitate new thinking. Although structured, the programme remains flexible with the facilitators able to adapt the sessions to meet the specific needs of each group of delegates.

The modular design is essential for delegates to benefit from the action learning sets. Between modules, with individual coaching support, delegates are able to:

• Experiment with the tools introduced on the programme
• Act to resolve their real-time leadership challenges based on set discussions
• Build set relationships by planning organisational visits