Leadership programmes

Our approach

Common Purpose's approach to leadership development uses a robust methodology which creates lasting impact.

We develop leaders who can cross boundaries

Our programmes are underpinned by three principles of thought leadership, which we have developed over 30 years:

Cultural
Intelligence

The ability to cross divides and thrive in multiple cultures

Leadership
in context

The ability to draw on deeper insights and wider networks

Leading
Beyond
Authority

The ability to deliver results outside of your direct circle of control

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Our impact framework

These principles allow us to design programmes that create lasting impact for participants in three areas:

More
inclusive
equals
Lead
innovative
resilient
teams
Broader
horizons
equals
Make
better
decisions
More
collaborative
equals
Accelerate
complex
change
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line
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Using this framework, we assess participants' development through the lens of six key leadership competencies:

Agile
Empathetic
Influential
Purposeful
Open
Self aware

Experiential learning

Common Purpose is known for delivering powerful experiential learning in over 100 cities around the world. We immerse leaders in places they would not normally go and enable them to engage with diverse groups of leaders whom they would not normally meet. But for us, experiential learning is about far more than creating one-of-a-kind experiences. In order to turn that experience into learning, we design our programmes using a unique learning pathway.

Swiper demo

A unique learning pathway

Experience

Participants are presented with new experiences. They engage with leaders from across multiple boundaries and are immersed in new environments. This can be both challenging and inspirational

Reflect

Reflection activities help participants gain a deeper understanding of their learning and pick out the areas that are most applicable to their leadership

Translate

Participants explore how to relate new ideas and thought processes back into their own role or context

Practice

Participants develop a set of leadership practices that can be used to turn new behaviours into habits

Assess

A series of assessments help participants track their progress during the programme and beyond

Convening Power

Our convening power enables us to ensure our participant groups are genuinely diverse. Our vast network of alumni and supporters means we are able to create immersive programmes with unrivalled access to different organizations and contributors, who generously share their insights.

Microclimate

Throughout our programmes, our inspiring facilitators create a carefully constructed microclimate. This enables participants to explore real-life leadership challenges in a safe environment, often leading to the types of courageous conversations leaders need in order to achieve transformative change.

Leadership frameworks

Over 30 years, we have developed a body of highly effective frameworks and techniques which help participants approach different leadership challenges; these include Core and Flex and Circles of Authority.

Be a leader who can cross boundaries