Work
The Theatre-based Leadership Training Programme
A respected high-street brand wanted a new generation of leaders who could meet the challenge of rapid growth and change. Chris Stagg Associates were engaged to design and deliver a bespoke “intervention” to challenge preconceptions, inspire critical thinking, draw out best practice and lay the foundations for a new culture of leadership.
Following a series of familiarisation meetings and research interviews we created a programme, in consultation with the client, that drew on the actual leadership experience and needs of delegates, reflected in both the scripted material that was performed by actors, and in the practical group-work, discussion materials and leadership models that we deployed. The sessions themselves were dynamic and interactive, with high delegate participation; the skilled and business-aware actors being used strategically to try out and test new ideas, behaviours and approaches.
As a direct result of this programme some key beneficial changes have been made to the leadership structure. Also, feedback reported that the programme has led to a greater confidence, unified understanding and shared sense purpose amongst the leadership team. This programme, modified and developed, is now being undertaken by the second tier of leadership and has been cited as a major catalyst for positive change within the business.
The Creative Team Presentation Programme
A creative team in an international corporation needed to re-engage a former client’s interest, and indeed, their custom. A meeting was obtained with this former client for the team to make its case. Chris Stagg Associates were invited to work with the team as they prepared in their attempt to re-ignite a major commercial relationship.
We created a workshop process that followed the phases of a theatrical production; coupling creative and innovative approaches with the rigour, discipline and sense of shared purpose that a rehearsal process brings to bear. Focusing on the business goal - to re-engage client with product, we deployed concepts and techniques taken from the theatre, script-writing, music and the visual arts to create a form of presentation that was subtle, authentic, impactful and resonant.
The meeting held with this client was considered by the team to be a great success; every element of presentation was in balance and focussed on the team’s “super-objective”: the commercial relationship was regained. This way of working is now being tried by other teams within the business.
The Economic Strategy Facilitated Consultation Programme
A large city council wanted to “road-test” its new economic strategy and involve prospective stakeholders in creating the consequent economic plan. Chris Stagg Associates were engaged to design and deliver a workshop-programme that clarified why the strategy was needed, examined what the strategy would entail and identified how the strategy could be best implemented.
Following consultation with the client, we created an interactive workshop process that encompassed large-scale town meetings, stakeholder workshops and planning sessions. The entire process was designed to stimulate and involve, producing a clear and considered set of outputs that would form the “bones” of the economic plan. The workshop sessions employed innovative visual and narrative techniques to focus thinking, provoke creative response and generate debate.
Reaction amongst participants to this facilitated workshop process has been very positive. The use of creative and game-based techniques was described as “innovative” and “hugely engaging”. The process overall being cited as “totally instrumental in developing the economic plan". An adapted and developed version of this process is now being employed to develop strategy & planning in other areas of policy.
Photography by Steve Hopper
