Working with the Institute of Clinical Leadership at Warwick Medical School, ORCNI were asked to design and deliver a leadership development programme for the Trusts Clinical Director [CD's]s and Consultants. This ran over three years, commencing with a programme for CD's.
The programme is based on the principles of Action Learning – 'comrades in adversity' working together to solve problem, supported by agreed content inputs. For the majority of the Clinical Directors it was their first formal opportunity to reflect on their leadership role, service problems and their own development since their appointment. Many of the consultants were in their first year or two of consultancy.
Appointment as a CD and when first appointed as a Consultant can be seen as a leadership passage, a critical cross-roads in one's career that can provide huge opportunities for growth and development.
The programme ran over a 12 month period, with a cohort of 12-15. There was an initial two day workshop and informal dinner, incorporating a diagnostic process from which we collectively set an agreed agenda for the further 5 single day events.