Everything we do takes time and energy. It is therefore crucial to clearly understand upfront the level of commitment each person is willing to invest not only in group meetings but also for other activities the group may decide to undertake.

Reflect on the following:

Q: How much is this programme worth to me in terms of time and effort?

Q: What additional commitments am I willing to make for its success?

Q: What expectations do I have of the others?

Tom’s Reflections on These Questions

I have been in numerous peer-learning and peer-support groups and this early contracting is absolutely key. The only advice I would give is not to assume anything. Everyone is starting from a different place, so my experience has been that it is best to get any and all assumptions and expectations out into the open.

The reality is that once the initial burst of enthusiasm has passed, some people may fall by the wayside. It is thus best to pre-empt that and to ensure the group is tight and committed to the journey ahead. Some people have a desire for mastery, others don’t. It is important to respect this whilst ensuring that you surround yourself with likeminded people who are as committed as you.

Programme Overview

The Curious Leaders programme is designed to foster a deep sense of curiosity about who you are as a person and as a leader. It challenges you to reflect on what you can do each day to become a more effective leader. The premise is that before we can truly lead others, we first need to lead ourselves.

It thus ultimately starts with self-leadership. This is about building a practice of reflection and action whereby we become increasingly curious about how our thinking is impacting our actions. This is the first step in building a world in which curiosity shapes leadership.

In this world, leaders aren’t boxed in by traditional thinking or established playbooks. They are open to fresh ideas and diverse perspectives, fostering a culture of exploration and learning. In truth, nurturing curiosity in leadership is essential if we are to address the key challenges of the 21st century.