Between them, Brighton & Hove Council’s Executive Leadership team manage over 4000 staff.
Looking for a new, tailored approach to their leadership training, Brighton & Hove invited City Academy to pitch a leadership programme in Storytelling that would help their leaders capture the minds and hearts of their teams.
The Executive team work in a highly-fluctuating context. With change as the only constant, core leadership skills with ability to lead in times of uncertainty were of increasing importance.
“As a leader how can build the trust of my team amid significant change year on year?”
“How do I blend the professional and personal aspects of my persona to communicate effectively whilst build rapport?”
“How can I really engage people in my team meetings?”
“What is the best way of delivering difficult news?”
“How do I paint a picture of the future and achieve buy in from my team?”
These were just some of the challenges the leadership team faced on a regular basis.
Leadership Training
Client Office
(Brighton)
Local council executive team
110 (10 groups of 11)
In collaboration with the Council, City Academy developed a 1 day course in 2018 which continues to roll out multiple times a year – including in an online capacity during covid. In cross-departmental groups of 10-12 people the council leaders come together to share expertise and ideas – they develop their leadership skills whilst learning from one another. Under the guidance of actor and voice coach Ben Joiner, the team explore:
City Academy’s highly practical approach meant that skills are put to the test and enhanced in the training room. Traditional leadership training involves high levels of discussion which we replace with tailored role-plays and relatable professional scenarios to help participants transfer the learning into a work-relevant context.
By exploring personality types, narrative technique, body language and voice training the participants are able to stretch their leadership skills to analyse their performance find new nuances and ways of communicating. Storytelling techniques used by leaders for centuries are harnessed giving the participants new ways to engage and inspire their teams.
"The training provided valuable tools on how to convey a message and ensure it lands well. It was well structured, interactive and engaging"
"Looking through Communication and Leadership through a brand new lens! Incredibly useful."
"Interactive, fun and well-paced. It took me out of my comfort zone in a safe way. Focusing on the personal use of body, voice, space and breathing was most useful."
"Illuminating - some techniques I knew were refreshed, modernised and made relevant to my role along with some brand-new communication insights."
"Delivered really well. Very engaging and empowering due to the challenges of presenting your story to people you don't necessarily know well"
Workshop Participants
Executive Team at Brighton & Hove Council