In today's rapidly changing and unpredictable environment, educational leaders face significant challenges that demand adaptive and innovative approaches. This May, I had the privilege of attending the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at the esteemed Saïd Business School, aiming to gather deeper insights and strategies to tackle the complexities of leadership. My goal was to enhance my leadership skills and gain new insights into leadership and management to benefit Bishop Druitt College and other boards in which I represent. In this blog, I will share my journey, including the programme structure, my learning experiences, personal growth and the challenges I faced.
Structured learning with a global perspective
The Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme is renowned for its innovative approach to internationally respected academics. Spanning six days of face-to-face modules, together with a supportive online resource set, the course was structured under daily themes:
- Day 1 - Making connections
- Day 2 - Understanding the context looking at uncertainty, complexity and the uncharted way
- Day 3 - Leadership as performance (ways of doing, thinking and being) - leading in the 'swamp'
- Day 4 - Nurturing inclusive cultures (cultivating curiosity and creativity) - leading through culture
- Day 5 - Navigating transitions and endings - navigating the storms of change
- Day 6 - Building futures (bearing witness)
The curriculum was designed to cover various aspects of leadership, strategy and innovation. I was expecting a humanities perspective, and that was particularly enjoyable. The long days were challenging, but it was a surprise to develop strong, caring and open connections with my tutor groups and the group at large. Our 2024 cohort had 34 dedicated, caring leaders from 20 countries covering 21 industries.
Insights from a diverse cohort
The learning experience was both enriching and challenging. The programme featured lectures by distinguished faculty within Saïd Business School as well as from other institutions and consultancies across Europe.
One of the highlights was the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of participants from around the world, which broadened my perspective on leadership challenges in a variety of industry domains. Engaging in extracurricular activities elevated the in-person sessions at Oxford. From walking tours of the historic city to formal dinners at the colleges, these activities provided a deeper cultural immersion and a chance to build strong connections with fellow participants and our tutors.
Developing adaptive leadership skills
The programme significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth. I acquired new skills in strategic thinking, innovation and effective leadership. One of the most impactful lessons was the importance of adaptive leadership in navigating the complexities of modern businesses. Traditional strategic planning methods, effective in the past, now often fall short in managing volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous markets.
This shift requires more agile and participative approaches, emphasising ongoing strategic dialogue and engagement across all organisational levels. Leadership requires balancing short-term demands with long-term vision. Margaret Heffernan's work on future thinking underscores the need for leaders to move beyond immediate fixes and plan for sustainable success. This involves fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation, prioritising creative freedom and resource allocation for innovative projects. Building and maintaining trust is another critical challenge. Colin Mayer CBE's research indicates that trust in businesses and leadership is paramount. Leaders must cultivate authenticity and integrity. Sue Dopson amplified these lessons with resources on developing a culture of inclusivity and psychological safety. Effective leadership in complex environments also involves embracing uncertainty and learning from failures. Rob Poynton's approach, which emphasises ‘noticing more, letting go and using everything’, encourages leaders to remain open to unexpected opportunities and learn from every situation, enhancing resilience and adaptability.
The value of peer support
Through our tutor groups, we also focused attention on our individual issues in our workplace or industry or even our leadership style in a safe space. I personally gained greatly from this process. We also discussed the importance of self-care and looking after your leadership team’s wellbeing.
Balancing responsibilities and growth
Like any rigorous programme, this journey had its share of challenges. Balancing time effectively between my duties as a principal in Australia and the programme's demands on the other side of the world was a balancing act. However, these challenges taught me resilience, the value of trusting teams and the value of time management. I learned the importance of prioritising tasks and the power of increasing delegation where this is possible.
Embracing a multifaceted approach to leadership
Overall, my experience completing the programme was immensely rewarding. In essence, leadership in today’s complex environment requires a multifaceted approach combining strategic agility, innovation, long-term vision, trust-building and resilience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to advance their leadership skills and gain a global perspective. The knowledge and skills I gained have enhanced my professional capabilities and enriched my personal growth. For those considering a similar programme, I advise embracing the journey with an open mind and being prepared for a transformative experience. I’m now looking forward to an online catchup with our tutor group next month.
