Sensemaking: An essential skill for leaders

Which leadership style should we use? How should we organise our teams? How do we set priorities and shape strategy? What kind of team should we have? How do we develop better products?

There are plenty of questions and decisions like these that occupy the attention of leaders, teams and organisations, and with almost unlimited options in response. So, what do we do? Do we follow the latest trends, ask for advice from consultants, or apply something we’ve used before?

That’s how I used to think, but these options can often fall short because they overlook a crucial factor: context.

In my book, ‘Leaders, Believers and Expert Deceivers’, I challenge the use of context-blind, one-size-fits-all models and invite readers to examine the incredible depth and value of sense-making to enhance leadership and organisational success. This vital skill, often missing from leadership, organisational development and change courses, gives us a way of navigating the vast range of contexts we face.

This interactive session introduces the powerful concept of sense-making and its value in helping us navigate a huge variety of situations. I look forward to welcoming you, and the opportunity to develop your leadership toolkit!

Key topics and learning outcomes

• How everything, from leadership to culture, is influenced by multiple contexts.
• A foundational knowledge of sense-making, its practical application and potential across organisations.
• Hands-on use of sense-making on a topical issue.

Who should attend?

• Leaders and team managers frustrated with rigid frameworks and default methods.
• Professionals seeking better understanding of sense-making and its practical applications.
• Curious minds interested in different approaches to tackle organisational challenges.

What to expect

• A relaxed and supportive learning environment.
• Facilitation by Stephen, an experienced sense-making practitioner, coach and author.
• Practical exercises in small groups (depending on numbers)

About Stephen

Stephen is an author, speaker and award-winning leader, with over two decades of experience leading and transforming complex, large-scale functions. His expertise spans work at pioneering cloud-computing providers to highly regulated global enterprises, and reaches diverse sectors including IT, healthcare, banking, insurance, and government. He lives in a small town in England with his family and an implausibly loud cat.