Shadowing and Exchanges - What's the fuss?
Published 6 January 2012
Observational learning is perhaps the most powerful process for acquiring information.
Shadowing and Exchanges is part of our LEAD programme, a 10 month programme designed for owner-managers of SMEs to equip them with the skills and know-how to increase profits, capitalise on new opportunities and make the most of their people. The programme has 2 main focuses; the business itself and personal development of the owner-manager.
This activity prepares delegates to look at peers' leadership styles and critically compare to their own leadership styles and business. It provides the opportunity for delegates to learn from other organisations as well as learning about their own business with feedback from a fresh pair of eyes, someone with real-world experience is often more effective than hearing it in a classroom.
"It gave me the opportunity to view another business and to realise that most business problems are of a similar nature no matter what sector you are in"
Delegates are partnered, and start with a shadowing exercise where members will observe and reflect on the behaviour of their chosen exchange partner in the place of work. This is followed up by a series of exchanges were both members will go into their partner's business and conduct a mini evaluation project on an agreed project. The levels of trust and confidence in one another would make this hard to do outside of the support LEAD. This is great for self reflection as well as gaining an understanding of how another business operates.
This is an element of LEAD that past delegates frequently cite as their favourite, and is great for self reflection as well as gaining an understanding of how another business operates. We will be starting the next cohort of Lancaster LEAD in 2012 so if you are interested in finding out more, please contact us.
