Taking the LEAD

The NWDA’s LEAD programme has been described by many industry professionals as a revelation for small businesses and is fast becoming a buzz-word for success. Given all the hype, and curious to see where £5.9million has been invested, many businesses are sneaking a peak at one of many preview events across the Northwest to find out what all the fuss is about. One delegate writes about her experience.

Pulling up at Liverpool’s Management School for a taster session in LEAD motivation and support I can’t help feeling ‘what am I doing here?’

As it turns out I’m not the only one. Most of the group appear nervous and cautious during registration and sit strategically a few seats apart in the lecture theatre.

But it isn’t long before his small gathering of business minds - an assorted mix of manufacturers, retail, TV producers and professional service professionals" are transfixed by this preview day.

All focused by one common goal: to be more successful.

“90% of delegates have seen a £200k increase in turnover,” announces coordinator Richard Holloway. “LEAD is for people who want to grow their business, gain confidence, courage, and the ability to adapt and learn,” he enthuses. “It’s not about theory, but practical problems which makes LEAD unique.”

Say no more. Everyone is listening now. “We need great leadership,” booms masterclass speaker and LEAD activist Molly Harvey in a boisterous and wholehearted manner.

“How approachable are you?” she enquires catching eye contact with each delegate around the room. “So, if I can’t come up to you now, how can I ever stand behind you?”

Lesson number one. Be more approachable! Got it.

She continues: “When you are approachable you are easy to be around. Be there for people, write your strategy down. If you don’t know where you are going. How will you know when you get there?”

A nod of heads, smiles and random chuckles confirms that I’m not the only one hanging on every word she says. Simple really. Lead and inspire.

She finishes with a rather emotional tug on our sentimental strings: “It’s not your footprints, it’s your imprints on the hearts of those we have met that make our legacy.”

A feeling of inspiration, drive and impetus flows across the room. I’m on fire and it’s only 11am!

More nuggets of motivation come from Ex-LEAD delegate Lesley Swinn before they send in the heavies, aka Director of International Coaching Academy, John Haynes.

This larger than life Liverpudlian takes the room by the jugular: “There are more changes in our business than ever. More competition and also more opportunity.

“There’s a race and business people are in denial. They are so far behind, they think they are in front!” he exclaims. “We have to adapt to change and learn new skills. LEAD will help you grab it with both hands. If Richard Branson needs a mentor then why shouldn’t you?” he declares with animated arms.

“I implore you to join the LEAD programme and know what your competitive advantage is.”

Phew! What are they feeding these people?

Leadership coach David Demistri is no exception: “It’s not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be.”

“How do you solve business problems?” As David says “How do you eat an elephant? One piece at a time.”

It’s mantra magic and I can’t help but feel stimulated by what I’m hearing, supported by my fellow delegates and positive about the rest of the day, tomorrow and the rest of the year.

It was a mood that the Action Learning seminar picked up on. Groups of us were given a half hour insight into how the programme helps people self develop, be a better learner, a better boss. A kind of practical problem solving group of peers.

“We ask questions rather than offer solutions,” says Elaine Eades. “There’s strength in network, honesty.”

I came out of day feeling refreshed and believing that everyone involved in LEAD had something very special in common: passion, drive and success.

And we all want a bit of that.