Manage | Lead | Inspire: Transforming Leadership in the Independent Radio Sector.
Now in its fourth year, the Senior Management Programme, Manage | Lead | Inspire, has just concluded after five months of dedicated effort. Originally launched as a pilot in 2021, the programme was designed and delivered by Learning Waves and Imagine ThinkDo. Since 2021, there has been an investement of €225,000 in to Senior Management training, with €135,000 contributed by Skillnet Ireland and €90,000 provided by member companies. Additionally, 83 senior managers across the sector have received certificates for completing the Manage | Lead | Inspire programme.
The programme has become a hallmark of excellence within Ireland's Independent Radio Sector. Learning Waves partnered with Russell and Alison Beck from Imagine ThinkDo to offer this transformative experience for Senior Managers in the Independent Commercial Radio Sector. The course provides participants with the opportunity to invest in themselves, refine their skills, and unlock the potential within their organisations. It emphasises self-awareness as a foundation for leading others and includes individual coaching as a unique feature. In 2022, the programme received certification from the Institute of Leadership and Management in the UK. Upon successful completion, participants gain membership of the institute and can advance to fellowship status.
The success of the programme is largely attributed to the expertise of its trainers. Russell Beck, an engineer by trade, brings a unique blend of technical knowledge, a thirst for evidence, and a charismatic, thought-provoking style. His diverse background includes leading engineering projects in 26 countries and managing a €120 million outsourcing business. Alison Beck, with her extensive experience as a strategy and change consultant, executive coach, and facilitator, works with a wide range of clients. She is passionate about leveraging diverse perspectives and has a proven track record of helping executives lead transformational change, become more strategic, and enhance their communication and influence.
The core modules that underpin the programme include:
Understanding your Leadership Style
In this module, participants delve into personality types and their impact on leadership. The exploration of four key personality elements – energy sources, information processing, decision-making, and life approach – provides a framework for self-awareness and understanding others. The personalised report review offers participants valuable insights, while engaging exercises bring theoretical knowledge to life. This module lays the groundwork for effective leadership by emphasising the importance of comprehending one’s own leadership style as a precursor to leading others.
Inclusive Leadership
Focusing on the connection between self-awareness and effective team support, this module tackles the nature of leadership. Addressing the diverse realities shaped by age and personality, it emphasises the impact on perceptions, responses, and needs within a team. The significance of fostering a workplace culture of connection and belonging is explored, with attention to the effects of microexclusions. Leaders learn to navigate external factors’ influences on emotions and biases, reinforcing key values, and creating a personal balance wheel and action plan to promote a healthy leadership approach.
Leading and Managing Teams
This module equips senior managers with the essential skills to steer and optimise team dynamics. From allocating work and setting goals to effective delegation using IDEALS model, leaders gain practical insights into performance management. Strategies for managing distractions, navigating communication challenges, and running efficient meetings are explored. The module underscores the importance of maintaining focus within circles of control and handling the tyranny of the urgent, offering a guide to a high-performing team culture.
Managing Difficult People/Situations
Addressing the challenges inherent in performance management, this module emphasises the critical role of effective conversations. It delves into the neuroscience behind feedback and praise, offering insights into why such conversations can be challenging. Participants learn the art of active listening, using a Thinking Environment approach and how to recognise and overcome self-deception and positioning. The module further covers conflict styles and associated handling strategies, preparing leaders for difficult conversations through a 1st, 2nd, 3rd perspective technique.
Managing Change
The new module, Managing Change, that was added for this cohort in response to feedback from previous groups who completed the course, indicating the need for a dedicated module on this topic. It covers both internal and external perspectives on change, helping participants understand what changes might be coming their way. The module delves into the different phases of change, emphasising the importance of each phase. It also addresses how to recognise the impact of change on oneself and others, along with strategies to handle the likely emotional responses. Participants will learn about their role as managers and how to successfully navigate the change journey. The module includes tips on achieving quick wins and using nudges to encourage new behaviours, as well as strategies for effective stakeholder management to harness support and overcome resistance.
As we hear directly from those who recently completed the course, it’s clear this programme has had a significant impact on their leadership skills. Let these testimonials speak for themselves, providing insights into the practical elements and real-world application of the course.
Darren Rice, Beat 102 103
“The most valuable aspect of the Senior Management course for me was learning about different personality types and the iceberg model. This helped me to better understand my colleagues and be more aware of things they may find triggering; I find I am now more inclined to take a step back and consider other points of view before reacting.”
Jonathan Barker, Sunshine Radio 106.8
"I really enjoyed the course. The main takeaway for me was learning to take a second before responding, which has significantly impacted my daily life and improved my overall self-awareness. I wish I had done this course sooner. My advice is to do it now—don’t waste any time."
Joe Nash, Limerick’s Live 95
"This course was excellent. Meeting people from different backgrounds and personalities across the sector was very enriching. The one-to-one coaching with Alison was also hugely beneficial. If you want to do this course, go in with an open mind, and you'll come out with an even more open mind."
Lisa McConn, iRadio
"I don’t think there was any aspect of the course that wasn’t beneficial. The structure, breakout rooms, and tasks ensured everyone could contribute, making the learning experience more impactful."
Kieran Foley, WLRFM
"Learning about self-awareness was hugely beneficial to me. Understanding my own personality and using the third-person conversation method have made a significant difference in my life. The leadership shadow concept was also enlightening for understanding my role’s impact."
Sibeso Muteto, Media Central
"Understanding myself helped me understand others and their differences. The module on difficult conversations and the role-playing tasks are key to understanding other people's perspectives. This course was very engaging, with a great balance of in-person and online sessions. Sharing our experiences was eye-opening."
David O’Brien, Media Central
"Understanding the effort required to be a good listener was incredibly beneficial. The course structure, allowing time to reflect between modules, was excellent. Forget what you think you know about leadership. This course strips it all back."
Ken McGuire, KCLR 96FM
"This course was fantastic. Connecting with others in similar roles was amazing, and I’ve made valuable new connections. The wealth of material provided is a great reference for future challenges. To anyone thinking of doing the course, just jump in. This was far out of my comfort zone, but it was much more intimate and self-reflective than I expected."
Gavin Feeney, Media Central
"As someone from a commercial background, I found it interesting that we all face the same leadership challenges. I found the group work within the course to be very engaging and a brilliant way to get to know my peers within the industry. I cannot recommend the course enough."
Gary Bailey, Dublin’s Q102
"The leadership shadow concept was great for me and is something I consider when making major, key decisions since I was introduced to it. Understanding that a poor leadership shadow can occur when avoiding difficult conversations, has been incredibly beneficial. This was one of the most valuable courses I’ve taken. "
The Senior Management Programme, Manage | Lead | Inspire, has once again demonstrated its value and impact. This programme has become a cornerstone of leadership development within Ireland's Independent Radio Sector. With its comprehensive modules and the expert guidance of Russell and Alison Beck, participants have gained invaluable insights into their leadership styles, inclusive leadership, team management, and navigating change.
The feedback from recent graduates underscores the transformative power of the programme. Participants have reported significant improvements in self-awareness, communication, and leadership effectiveness, with many highlighting the immediate applicability of the skills learned.
Looking ahead, the programme will resume in September 2024, and the course is full. For those interested in joining the 2025 programme, please email teresah@learningwaves.ie.