Development Seminar: Collaborative Approaches to Resolving Complex Challenges

A recent study suggests that around 10 years ago, senior managers were making key business decisions with 80% of the relevant information. Today they work with 40% or perhaps only 20% of the information they would like. As the challenges facing managers become more complex and more fluid, there is a growing need to collaborate with others.

During this seminar delegates will explore real workplace challenges using the technique of action learning. Action learning is a highly effective problem-solving tool, ideally suited to today’s busy managers. The structured approach to action learning used in this seminar facilitates openness and helps delegates practise coaching skills, such as listening and questioning, in small groups. The diverse, cross-sector nature of the participants adds an extra dimension to the day, bringing new perspectives, enriching the learning, and offering opportunities to connect with those from other organisations and sectors.

Action learning is a structured and highly practical approach which:

• addresses real-time issues in which the delegate is directly involved
• focuses on learning – looking beyond participants’ own frames of reference
• involves small groups or ‘sets’ of people – typically 5-8 finishes with a commitment to action

Benefits of action learning: In most instances, individuals hold within them the solutions to their own problems - the trick is to use others’ insights to help reveal those solutions. Using this technique, managers from diverse backgrounds can check out their thinking with others, ask insightful questions, gain new insights, offer encouragement and support, and acquire new perspectives on seemingly intractable problems. As a result, they can achieve greater clarity of thought when tackling complex business issues.

Additional tools and techniques: The seminar also incorporates a number of other user-friendly tools including: a technique for breaking down complex goals into manageable steps; and a simple yet sophisticated change diagnostic that helps determine the appropriate way to remedy a failing change initiative.

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The closing date for applications is Monday 25 May 2009. Please apply as soon as possible as our seminars are often over subscribed.

How are applications evaluated? We aim to achieve a good cross-sector balance to enrich the learning experience, offer a range of perspectives and maximise networking. We may therefore have to limit nominations to one or two delegates per organisation and so cannot operate on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.

Please note our cancellation policy: no refund is payable if you cancel within 21 days of the seminar, although we will accept a replacement delegate if you are unable to attend.