Concerns overcome as leadership flourishes : No shying away from or ignoring the doubters

Purpose – Describes the delivery of a development program for a British university's top 60 leaders, with the use of strategic improvement idea groups. Design/methodology/approach – Actual leadership challenges and experiences of participants were used as source learning material, around which dialogue and outcomes were built. The program involved outstanding leaders from industry and public life who shared their experience of leadership and provided insights from other organizations. Importantly, it also introduced the notion of Strategic Improvement Idea Groups (SIIGs) as a central part of the program, with each becoming a learning vehicle and “return on investment” mechanism via detailed proposals to the executive for specific organizational improvements. Findings – The endeavour identified three broad principles: an emphasis on leading through relationships – understanding that working with and through others is the only way to achieve sustainable performance; a deep understanding of complexity and the importance of systems; and finally being sensitive to the role of the leader in creating conditions of trust and empowerment through their own behavior and self awareness. Originality/value – The program brought academic and support staff together to work on common issues, recognizing the ability of participants to engage with complex challenges and emphasizing the value of the collective in resolving them.