Meridian is a programme for senior leaders who work with multiple, diverse stakeholders
As leaders become more senior, they find themselves delivering complex change with ever more diverse stakeholders. More than ever, they need to be able to collaborate with different people and understand the wider context in which they operate.
Meridian develops leaders with the skills, networks and understanding to make an impact in their organization and across their city. The programme uses a real-world experiential approach. We convene leaders from every corner of the city who share open accounts of their leadership challenges. We take participants to places and organizations where they can explore how leaders approach complex change in different contexts. On each programme, we guarantee a diverse mix of leaders from the private, public and NGO sectors.
“A unique course, very eclectic group, but all with a drive to develop their own leadership role. Very thought provoking, encouraged a lot of self-reflection which continues, and I don’t think any other type of course could give you the insight into so many different leadership styles.”
© Alastair Fyfe
Who is Meridian for?
Leaders operating at a senior level, where they have to deliver complex change with ever more diverse stakeholders—both in their organization and across their city.
External Stakeholders
Internal Stakeholders
Peers
Team
Leading Beyond Authority
Our learning framework: Leading beyond Authority (LBA), underpins the participants’ leadership learning. People who lead beyond their authority can produce change beyond their direct circle of control.
Learning outcomes
Common Purpose Meridian develops leaders who can deliver complex change beyond their circle of authority.
Approach
Become better able to build strong relationships that lead to successful collaborations
Strategy
Become better able to develop strategies that produce change
Impact
Become better able to have an impact in unfamiliar contexts
Behaviours
Become better able to inspire others through your leadership style
Impact: on Individuals
Senior Leaders
| 92% of senior leaders say our programmes have helped them gain broader networks |
| 90% of senior leaders say our programmes have helped them develop as leaders |
| 89% of senior leaders say our programmes have helped them make better decisions |
| 90% of senior leaders say our programmes enable them to drive bold innovation |
“The Meridian course represents time spent learning with others about valuable aspects of leadership that are often elusive in the headlong rush of day to day business. I don’t know of a better method of developing leadership skills.”
The programme
|
Online learning and group exercises |
(One hour)
Our online accelerator allows time-poor participants to maximize their face-to-face experience at their own time and pace. The accelerator introduces participants to the Leading Beyond Authority learning framework, which will underpin the learning throughout the programme.
| Month 1 | Month 2 | Month 3 |
| Leading Beyond Authority | Collaboration | Leading change |
| Immersion 1 | Immersion 2 | Immersion 3 |
| Learning Group 1 | Learning Group 2 | Learning Group 3 |
(Equivalent of five days over three months)
Three full-day modules allow participants to explore leadership themes as part of a diverse, cross-sector group. We convene senior leaders from across the city to share open accounts of their own leadership challenges and the ways they overcame them.
Half-day immersion experiences allow participants to experience leadership and decision-making in different contexts. Common Purpose facilitates immersion experiences in a range of different places including prisons, hospitals, schools, businesses and community organizations. Participants attend two immersion experiences from a choice of three.
Learning groups enable participants to deepen their learning as part of a small but diverse group. Each month, a different participant hosts a three-hour learning group at their workplace. Here they work on their own leadership challenges.
|
Online: Adapting to a new environment |
Practices are short tasks or challenges to complete in between the face-to-face elements of the programme. Practices allow participants to extend their learning and gain further leadership insights during the programme.
| 360 Connect events | 360 Platform |
Participants connect with other Common Purpose Alumni through our online 360 platform and at 360 Connect events. As Alumni, they can continue their learning in a community of over 65,000 leaders worldwide.
Programme details
Cost
£4590 + VAT. Multiple applications are welcomed. Part-fee and bursary places are also available for those genuinely unable to meet the full fee. If you feel that you cannot pay the fee, fill in the section on bursary support on the application form.
Who participates?
Participants come from diverse backgrounds and sectors, such as:
- Wessex Archaeology
- St Peter’s Hospice
- University of the West of England
- South Gloucestershire Council
- Foot Anstey
- First West of England
Apply
When
Bristol and West of England Meridian October 2018
Core Day 1: 10 October
Immersion 1: 24 October
Core Day 2: 7 November
Immersion 2: 21 November
Immersion 3: 28 November
Core day 3: 12 December
Bristol and West of England Meridian March 2019
Core Day 1: 19 March
Immersion 1: 2 April
Core Day 2: 23 April
Immersion 2: 7 May
Immersion 3: 21 May
Core day 3: 4 June
Applying for Meridian
Please fill in the online application form, choosing the date and location you want.
If you have any questions on how to apply, or want to find out more about Meridian, please contact:
bristol@commonpurpose.org.uk
+44 (0)117 363 7333
“The lived experience of the guests was incredibly informative and challenging. Their openness to share those challenges was a testament to the trust within which Common Purpose is held.”
