Pictured: Louise Teboul
Sadly, Birmingham, and the West Midlands, has been criticised
for its lack of leadership in the past few months - in relation to
everything from civic leadership and politics to the handling of
the riots of the summer.
In reality, there's no shortage of engaged people who want to
make a difference but sometimes they lack the insights and
knowledge to help make a difference. That's why leadership
development organisation Common Purpose is developing a group of
better informed, connected cross-sector leaders who can really make
a difference to the challenges facing the city and the region.
"The issues that face Birmingham, and other cities, are complex
and can't be solved with just one group of people and
silo-thinking. They need individuals and organisations to come
together to discuss, learn from each other and to find new ways of
working," says Louise Teboul, Operations Director, Common Purpose.
"So we are now inviting experienced leaders, from all walks of
life, to apply for our next senior leaders course, Meridian, so
that they are better equipped to lead not only in their own
organisations but also the city."
Meridian, a 'street-wise' MBA for people working at a senior
level in the public, private or not-for-profit sector, explores
leadership in relation to Birmingham and the wider region. Helping
to build long-lasting connections between people and organisations,
the focus is on real-life challenges and issues.
Jay Munbodh, PMO Manager with the NEC Group, finished the course
earlier this year and said: "I believe that I have gained fresh
insights into my region, leadership and myself - as well as
building some great relationships. Not many courses, or other
opportunities, offer all those things. Several elements were
particularly meaningful and have affected my thinking and are
helping to improve my practice."
With potential match-funding* available to support growing small
and medium businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations,
and the next course starting in January 2012, why not apply?
"Leadership is a lot easier to get right when things are going
well, but being an effective leader is more important now than ever
in this whole new political, social and economic environment,"
concludes Louise. "People are expected to do more with less; to
work in new, innovative ways, against a backdrop of uncertainty and
they're looking to their leaders for vision and guidance, at a time
when no-one really seems to have all the answers."
* Funding Available for Leadership and Management
Development