WORKSHOPS
FLS WORKSHOPS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
(Notes from most of the previous workshops can be found in the members only section of the FLS website)
27th June 2024
FLS Workshop at the Frontline Club, London
‘Changing styles of leadership and the winning mindset’
This event followed a ‘phone call Bob Reeves received from David Marquet only a month or so earlier, saying that he would be in London at the end of June with a free day following his overnight flight, and he would love to do something together again. Our two previous events with him had been very successful.
We quickly put together a workshop on the theme of ‘Changing styles of leadership and the‘winning mindset’. We were fortunate to enlist Jeremy Snape, founder of ‘Sporting Edge’. We thus had two of the most sought-after presenters in the field of performance and leadership.
Though it was put together at short notice, those fortunate enough to attend were able to take part in a wonderful afternoon’s activity at the Frontline Club.
Some attendees provided us with responses to what they had heard and participated in. They are worth sharing -
Continued from 'Welcome Page'
Martin Fairn, CEO Gazing Performance Systems –
‘Acknowledging the filter bias based on work we do at Gazing- I would make the following observations as helpful takeaways both supporting work we do but also offering further insights-
Clarity- Individuals, teams and whole organisations across the full spectrum of sport and business etc. benefit significantly from the simple concept of ‘clarity’- both in terms of purpose, intent and overall strategy of approach. When ‘clarity’ is present then it informs both the planning work done but also the decisions made and actions taken in the moment. Simple yet golden---- and perhaps not always easy to achieve.
Intensity- is a characteristic of high performance, often missing when performance breaks down. What came across in discussions is the wide-ranging views around intensity- where does it come from, how do you find and maintain it…. and especially what is the connection to motivation? What drives the ‘intent’ of individuals and teams. It is not ‘magic dust’ but certainly people can describe it when they have it…. know it helps when managed and directed…. And are clear when it is missing!
Accuracy- Sometimes discussions like this are a great reminder that truly high performance at the most challenging times is critically underpinned by the individual/team ability to execute their core skill/tasks at the level needed again and again. Circling back to ‘training to win’ with great coaching and driven always by terrific leaders and compelling leadership.
Donna Kennedy, former Scotland rugby international -
‘The workshop provided affirmation of the key drivers of performance, which are identity and purpose. This resonated with me, as I worked in the veterinary sector for over 30 years, always with a clear identity and purpose, until our family owned business was purchased by a large corporate, venture capital backed, which then became all about profit. I am now taking control of what I want to do, giving me a profound purpose and authenticity, helping people believe they can achieve! I have started my own coaching and mentoring business, blending my experience of business and my sporting career.
I retired from international rugby 13 years ago, after playing international rugby for 17 years. I felt that I lost my purpose and what I thought was my own identity. I am now using my experience to help empower others.
Martin Preston, Kingfisher7 Consulting -
‘What do former International cricketer (Jeremy Snape) and nuclear submarine commander have in common’.
Well, in this instance, I was very fortunate to see them both present at a Foundation for Leadership through Sport (FLS) session in June.
Members with high performance sport, military and corporate sector expertise gathered at the Frontline Club (nr Paddington Station) to explore ‘Changing styles of Leadership and the Winning Mindset’.
Bob Reeves introduced the day and two main speakers, former nuclear submarine commander David Marquet and England cricketer Jeremy Snape. Both help leaders and teams perform, including during times of uncertainty and pressure.
Both have unique experiences, expertise, and hugely valuable insights which they delivered with a good dose of humility and humour!
The presentations were followed by an excellent panel discussion hosted by Frank Dick, with contributions from former internationals, Eboni Usoro-Brown (England netball) and Tom Mitchell (England and GB Rugby Sevens), along with Martin Fairn (co-founder/CEO of Gazing Performance Systems).
A few nuggets from the afternoon.
+ true teamwork is so powerful, but rare
+ an identity or a mindset has a shelf life (we need to adapt)
+ we need to trust ourselves if we are to trust others (not micromanage)
+ don’t take over your team’s journey, you will disable them
+ how curious are you and your team?
+ do you see change as a problem or an opportunity?
+ is your leadership about you or developing others?
+ as a leader, what do you need to be better at?
+ do you truly understand your team, particularly at times of stress?
+ are you comfortable admitting you don’t know the answer, or you were wrong
+ does anyone speak up when you are wrong?
A few final nuggets...
+ identify and purpose create an emotional competitive advantage
+ winning is founded on learning
+ success is helping others succeed
+ how do you want to be remembered as a leader?
I could share so many more, but if you’re interested in developing the performance and leadership of individuals, teams and organisations (in or outside of sport) then I’d certainly encourage you to explore the expertise of those mentioned above.
Finally. Do you have 10 minutes spare? If yes, then you might find this clip enlightening and inspiring.
Cliff Kimble, of the Evolution Partnership, added the following -
‘Further to the fabulous session, my thoughts herewith:
The afternoon was one of affirmation for me on several fronts. I am innately curious and think I am both privileged and blessed to have been accepted as a member of FLS and the like-minded lifelong learners that occupy the wonderful space that Bob and Liz create through it.
I came away, having listened to two world class professionals, with a sense of being on the right track. The conversations that danced around the room were encouraging on several fronts: others commitment to life-long learning reinforcing my own commitment. Franks’ facilitation of group 5 was effortless and I liked the way we listened, learned and shared. My commitment is to attend more FLS gatherings and when I publish my book ‘Born to flow’ I commit to bringing it to FLS space in the spirit of sharing!
FLS is a such perfect vehicle for me to informally ride on the shoulders of giants’.
Continued from 'Welcome page'
Kevin Roberts, founder Red Rose Consulting
May 30th 2024
FLS Workshop at Encirc, The Park, Avonmouth
‘How Leadership is Changing Future Leaders’
Previously Kevin has talked about the world in which we operate as being VUCA - Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous. He now adds ‘Accelerating’. Everything is changing more quickly. Leaders must be switched on to change.
Any ambition to be High Performing Organisations (necessary to survive) should change to Peak Performing Organisations (necessary to win).
In line with previous FLS contributor David Marquet, Kevin talked of the need for leaders to be ‘active listeners’ .
Kevin discussed PURPOSE. It is important to find your own purpose in life and he put forward questions relating to this:
Do you want to be the best version of yourself?
Every day?
What do you want to succeed?
What is your own Super Power?
Little things can make a big difference.
Personal purpose is the foundation of enhanced happiness and well being. It helps make the best choices, lift performance and have more fun. Self-discipline, Self-determination and Self-Esteem are enhanced. The idea of a ‘Personal Purpose Plan’ was put forward. This starts with identification of an inspirational dream and delves into personal beliefs, character, focus and closes with one word to best define how one aspires to be. Kevin told the attendees what he is doing with individuals in helping them establish their own personal plan. He is working with rugby great Dan Carter and recent Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. If they are establishing a clear personal purpose plan then it might be something everyone should be doing.
By the way, Dan Carter’s focus was on ‘Making happy choices’ and his one word explanation is ‘Winner’.
Frank Dick ended the splendid workshop by leading discussion on leaders of the future, their need for responsibility and the importance of finding ways to change organisational culture where necessary.
As always, the Park at Avonmouth was a marvellous venue for our event. Those who had not been before were given a guided tour of the facility and they could see for themselves the way Richard Lloyd, Managing Director, and his colleagues have created a peak performing organisation.
Sir Steve West, the Vice-chancellor of the University of West of England, attended this workshop following which he made a presentation to his senior colleagues. With his permission, I have inserted here three of the slides he used.
FLS director Eboni Usoro-Brown produced excellent notes from the workshop, summarising the presentations by Kevin Roberts and Frank Dick.
Kevin Roberts
Headline - How leadership is changing - future leaders
He spoke at length about the VUCAA principle which is defining the landcape in which modern business and leadership is operating. The acronym stands for:
Volatile
Uncertain
Complex
Ambiguous
Accelerating
All leaders need to embrace the need to get tasks completed efficiently. The need for speed and to be prepared to navigate and embrace turbulent environments.
What the new world will look like should be the focus and understanding the role we as leaders need to play in that. We need to invest in training, developing, and nurturing the talent that we have around us.
Change has to be data driven. You don’t need insights you need revelations. Great leadership has to be made simple and move to action quicker.
Effective and good leaders need bravery and courage to follow how they feel when it’s ambiguous. Future generations want to be inspired.
In a VUCAA world, there are no agreements - you need alignment. It's essential to have the right team around you. There are 4 types of leadership: Inform / Instruct / Influence / Inspire.
What we need for peak performance:
Inspirational leadership Leaders
Alignment
Influence inspire
PPO
DADA - diversity at the highest talent levels / diversity of thought and diversity of feeling Active listening - 4 types - people listener, task oriented listener, content listener, fast listener. Body language is important
Key question- how can we inspire teams? By driving the philosophy that each team needs to be better than good enough. 4H's History, Heroes, Heartaches, Hopes
WOOP - How to make effective strategic plans: Wish, Outcome, Obstacles, Plan
Blue ocean
Eliminate
Reduce
Raise
Create
Frank Dick - Young Leadership
You are defined as a leader by the quality of your decision making.
Young leaders needing a platform to learn to lead.
Covid had a big impact on how young people assert themselves and see themselves a s leaders in a volatile environment.
Coaching to enter the environment and learn the lessons after. Building up leaders.
Address mental health challenges and how do we help young people deal with pressure.
It’s a process to create a world that helps kids.
We need to create an environment for young people to make choices.
Take risks.
Build a level of resilience.
Face adversity front in.
Make decisions.
Accept responsibility.
Lean in to accountability.
Lessen the feeling of entitlement.
Understand consequence.
Lessen the dependency
The key question to ask is how do we create a learning environment for ourselves and others?
Be prepared to let go so they can take ownership
Other FLS Workshops are listed below. Videos and other information of can be found in the members section of the website
October 7, 2019 - ‘Identifying, recruiting and developing talent’
At Fulham Football Club, Craven Cottage
Presentations, discussion and panel groups
May 9, 2019 - ‘Workshop with Paul Nicholls’
At Ditcheat, Somerset
Presentations, discussion and panel groups.
March 11, 2019 - ‘Taking control of Emotion in Sport and Business’
At Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
Presentations, discussion and panel groups.
June 25, 2018 - 'Modern Leadership in the Changing Worlds of Sport, Business and the Military'
At The Writing Room, Lords Cricket Ground
Presentations, discussion and panel groups.
April 4, 2018 - 'Creating and Developing the Culture for Sustained High Performance in Sport and Business'
At Saracens Rugby Allianz Park
Presentations, conversations and panel debates exploring The Saracens Way.
June 17, 2016 - 'Consiglieri: Leading from the Shadows'
At Lords Cricket Ground
Richard Hytner, founder of creative management consultancy, beta baboon, and former worldwide deputy chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi, ran a session for Foundation for Leadership in Sport on how to inspire leadership contributions from those who work for and alongside the out-and-out leader.
April 14 2016 - Emotional Intelligence and its’ Importance’
At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal
This workshop was lead by FLS Associate by David Whitaker
March 25, 2015- ‘Identifying and developing leaders in the Army, and how this might be relevant to Sport and Business.’
At the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
Sandhurst Commandant, General Skeates, along with senior colleagues, and involving officer cadets, provided an enlightening workshop on the Army’s approach to producing leaders, and where this may be relevant in other settings.
May 14, 2014- ‘Developing the right culture and the right leaders in sport, business and the military’.
At Manchester United FC
Kevin Roberts (CEO of Saatchi and Saatchi Worldwide) and General Sir Peter Wall, Army Chief of Staff, presented and then led discussion on leadership development. By now, participants were of the view that sport, business and military can each learn from the other and should seek to do so.
November 11, 2014- FLS ‘Think-tank’.
At Saatchi and Saatchi, London
Involving many of those who attended earlier workshops, this workshop addressed where we now were in terms of understanding leadership in, through and of sport, and where FLS should be focusing future activities.
October 11, 2013- ‘The Relationship between the culture of high performance in organisations and the sustainability of excellence in sport. Can sport learn from business?’
At Lords Cricket Ground.
Ric Charlesworth, Former Australia Hockey head coach and High Performance manager of New Zealand cricket; Author of the book ’Staying at the top’, led discussion with sporting and business leaders from Saatchi and Saatchi, Dell Electronics, Jaguar Landrover, Vauxhall Motors, Price Waterhouse Cooper.
Richard Hytner (Vice-Chairman of Saatchi and Saatchi), James Kerr (Author of ‘Legacy’) and David Whitaker (Author of ‘The Spirit of Teams’ and a renowned expert on emotional intelligence, made excellent contributions.
Jan 16, 2013 - ‘Sustaining Success- Winning after winning’.
At the RFU, Twickenham.
The likes of Andrew Strauss, Stuart Lancaster, Andy Flower, Josh Lewsey, Stuart Pearce, Kevin Bowring and Toni Minichello discussed what is needed to stay at the top. The consensus was that organisational culture has to be strong, and if any team is to be world-leading in the long-term, the parent body also needs to be world-leading.
PROGRAMMES FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS
FLS Directors Eboni Usoru-Brown and Bob Reeves have developed leadership activities for targeted groups, believing that systematic programmes can be of real benefit to individuals and to organisations.
These have included -
'Learning to Lead' - Workshops for students in secondary or tertiary education. These are usually led by Bob Reeves and/or Eboni Usoru-Brown. These workshops can be targeted for sixth formers or sports scholars and need not focus on sport.
Schools involved have included -
Ashton Park Comprehensive
Bristol Grammar School
Bristol Cathedral School
Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Wellington College
Sixth Formers at the -
Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Gordano Comprehensive School, Bristol
Academy Players at Bristol Rugby
'The leadership talk from Bob Reeves was very interesting. I expected it to be mainly about how to lead in a sporting sense, but really it was about being a leader in all walks of life. Much of the talk was also linked to how leaders should treat others and what their values are, which I also thought was important. I'd definitely say it was a useful talk.' - Lewis
'Coaching to develop leaders' - Workshops led by Bob Reeves for sporting bodies and coaches. These have included Bristol and Loughborough Universities and sporting bodies from rugby and polo.
Hurlingham Polo Association coaches
University of Bristol Sports Coaches
Rugby Coaches at Oxford University Conference
‘Leading to Improve Performance’ - Workshops taken by Bob Reeves with London Business School students, Loughborough University London and companies such as Ian Williams Ltd. Vic Luck has taken similar courses with students on the MBA in Sports management at loughborough university.