Business Strategy & Leadership
Overview
The first day of the Five-Day MBA Programme is focused on the crucial areas of strategic leadership and management. In today’s increasingly complex business landscape, the ability to lead with vision, inspire teams, and make strategic decisions is essential. This session will cover the theoretical foundations of leadership and management, along with practical tools to help participants become more effective leaders in their organisations.
Throughout the day, participants will explore different leadership styles, how to develop and implement a strategic vision, and techniques for managing organisational change. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and group exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to manage people, processes, and organisational strategy to drive growth and long-term success.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the distinctions between leadership and management and appreciate their importance in achieving business success.
Be familiar with various leadership styles and their applications in different organisational contexts.
Be able to create and communicate a compelling strategic vision within their organisation.
Develop decision-making skills, particularly under pressure.
Gain practical knowledge of change management techniques and frameworks to lead organisational transformation successfully.
1. Introduction to Leadership and Management
Objective
To provide participants with a clear understanding of the distinctions between leadership and management, and how both are necessary for effective organisational performance.
Key Concepts
Leadership vs Management, exploring the differences and interconnections.
The role of leaders in setting vision, direction, and organisational culture.
Management as the practice of controlling resources, planning, and executing strategy.
Discussion Points
Why do organisations need both strong leaders and effective managers?
The evolving role of leadership in today’s business environment.
Outcome
Participants will gain a clear understanding of the differences between leadership and management, and how to use both to maximise team and organisational performance.
2. Leadership Styles and Theories
Objective
To examine various leadership styles and theories, helping participants understand their own leadership approach and how to adapt their style to different situations.
Key Concepts
Transformational vs Transactional Leadership
Situational Leadership Adapting leadership style to team needs and circumstances
Servant Leadership Prioritising people to achieve long-term success
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in Leadership The importance of self-awareness, empathy, and social skills in leading effectively
Case Study
Participants will examine a case study of a successful leader in a challenging environment, analysing how their leadership style contributed to success.
Outcome
Participants will gain an understanding of different leadership styles, identify their preferred approach, and learn when and how to adapt their style for optimal results.
Interactive Group Activity
Participants will be divided into groups and tasked with solving a real-world leadership challenge based on the case study. Each group will present their proposed solutions and discuss which leadership styles they would employ.
3. Strategic Thinking and Vision Development
Objective
To equip participants with the tools to think strategically and develop a vision that aligns with their organisation’s long-term objectives.
Key Concepts
The strategic management process Analysis, formulation, and implementation
Developing a strategic vision and mission Defining what the organisation seeks to achieve
The role of purpose and values in driving strategy
Competitive analysis and identifying strategic opportunities in a changing market environment
Workshop Exercise
Participants will engage in a workshop to create a strategic vision for a hypothetical organisation. They will analyse market trends, competitive landscapes, and internal capabilities to create a clear mission and set strategic objectives.
Outcome
Participants will leave with a strong understanding of how to create and communicate a strategic vision that drives organisational alignment and success.
4. Decision-Making for Leaders
Objective
To introduce participants to decision-making frameworks that allow leaders to make informed, strategic decisions in the face of uncertainty.
Key Concepts
Decision-making models Rational, intuitive, and hybrid approaches
Managing risks and uncertainty in decision-making
The role of data and analysis in making strategic decisions
Group decision-making dynamics and consensus-building techniques
Case Study
Participants will explore a scenario where a leader must make a high-stakes decision under pressure. The group will analyse how the leader gathered information, managed risks, and communicated the decision to stakeholders.
Outcome
Participants will enhance their ability to make complex decisions by balancing analytical thinking with intuition, while understanding the importance of clear communication and transparency in the decision-making process.
Interactive Group Activity
In teams, participants will engage in a decision-making simulation where they must solve a business challenge with limited information and competing priorities. Each group will present their solution, highlighting the decision-making process they used.
Additional Online Content
5. Leading Change in Organisations
Objective
To provide participants with tools and frameworks to effectively lead and manage organisational change in dynamic environments.
Key Concepts
The change management process Initiating, managing, and sustaining change
Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model and Lewin’s Change Management Framework
Overcoming resistance to change Engaging employees and stakeholders
The role of communication in successful change initiatives
Outcome
Participants will learn how to lead change initiatives within their organisations, manage resistance, and create an environment that supports innovation and adaptability.
6. Case Study Leading Change in a Global Corporation
Objective
To analyse a real-world example of a company undergoing significant transformation and explore the leadership strategies used to manage the change process.
Key Concepts
Organisational restructuring, mergers, or digital transformation
Leadership’s role in communicating change and maintaining morale
Ensuring long-term sustainability and success during and after change
Outcome
Participants will gain insights into how large-scale changes are implemented in complex organisations, and the leadership practices that ensure successful transformation.
Conclusion
The first day concludes with a reflection session where participants will share key takeaways and insights from the day’s discussions. This will be followed by a networking event, offering an opportunity to connect with peers, discuss leadership challenges, and build professional relationships.