Case Studies

Leadership Team Development: University School of Art and Design

Higher Education

A comprehensive executive coaching programme was delivered to the leadership team of the School. C-Change worked closely with the Dean to ensure that the coaching specifically underpinned the School's strategic intent and the achievement of its vision. In addition, workshops were delivered in leadership, strategy and team development.

The Situation

Cardiff School of Art and Design (CSAD) is one of the country's leading schools of art and design.  It has an ambitious programme for academic and professional development that is being undertaken at a time of considerable pressure on the funding of higher education in the UK.

The leadership team is committed to ensuring that the School retains and improves its reputation for excellence and innovation in academic programmes, research and enterprise activity. Development of the leadership capability of the School has been recognised by the Dean as a key priority. In particular, she views the enablement of the Directorate and Department Heads in the successful negotiation of change as being critical to the School's success.

The Programme

C-Change executive coach, Charlotte Hitchings, delivered a comprehensive executive coaching programme to the leadership team. One to one coaching was provided for each member of the team over 6 to 9 months, with objectives agreed at the start of each series and outcomes assessed at the close.

C-Change worked closely with the Dean to ensure that the coaching specifically underpinned the School's strategic intent and the achievement of its vision. Sessions were tailored to individual requirements in an overall context of the objectives of the School. In addition, workshops were delivered in leadership, strategy and team development.

Outcomes

Feedback on the value of the coaching sessions was extremely positive, with people assessing both the extent to which they had achieved their individual objectives and the overall effectiveness and value of the coaching.

The value derived from the coaching included: increased self awareness around leadership capabilities, improved communication skills, increased confidence, an opportunity for strategic reflection, improved understanding of others' perspectives leading to stronger relationships, a greater understanding of personal contribution and increased motivation.

"At CSAD, as with all other dynamic and fast moving organisations, it is imperative that the leadership team are able to engage in effective reflection and courageous strategic action. This requires highly developed analytical and communication skills. C-Change has supported a first-rate team in gaining first-rate results. The opportunities provided, through coaching, to pause for thought and fine-tune skills and approaches have been a powerful tool in the development of the School's resourceful management and planning team." 

Professor Gaynor Kavanagh DPhil MPhil FMA, Dean, Cardiff School of Art and Design