The Ignite Program for a Not for Profit
Introduction
The Ignite Program stands as a comprehensive developmental initiative co-created to empower leaders and team members from the inside out. What originally started as a Leadership program turned into a resounding success, prompting team members throughout the organisation to express their keenness to also participate in this transformative journey. This enthusiasm led to the creation of the Ignite Development Program, specifically tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of team members.
Over the course of five years, both programs have achieved remarkable success, with over 250 leaders completing the Leadership Program and an impressive 400 team members participating in the Development Program. At the heart of both programs is a deep focus on nurturing the essential skills of leadership and emotional intelligence, emphasising self awareness, emotional regulation, social awareness (empathy), and relationship management.
The Ignite program has not only introduced a shared language and common understanding across the organisation but has also emerged as the most successful development initiative to date, leaving an indelible mark on the organisation.
Background
Client need: The catalyst for the Ignite Leadership program arose from an innovation lab within the organisation that aimed to positively reshape team member’s experience of leadership. Engagement survey data consistently highlighted team member’s less-than-positive experiences, necessitating a shift in the way leadership was practiced.
Framework: The Ignite Leadership program, as the foundational starting point for leadership development, is designed to address the organisation’s unique leadership culture. This program focuses on enhancing four pivotal aspects: self-awareness, emotional regulation, social awareness (empathy), and relationship management, equipping leaders to forge connections with themselves, their teams, each other and to communicate effectively, ultimately driving organisational success.
Program evolution
Year 1: The Ignite Leadership Program debuted as a two-day, in-person program, with 30 leaders participating. The initial format received glowing feedback and laid the groundwork for future success.
Year 2: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program underwent a transformation. It transitioned into an online format, comprising five modules, each spanning 2.5 hours and was delivered fortnightly. This adaptability allowed participants to engage with the program from their remote workspaces and ensured an extended reach. The new structure provided a more measured and sustainable approach to learning.
Year 3: The organisation recognised the need to extend the program’s benefits to team members and, consequently, piloted the online Development program. The commitment was made to offer this to all team members, expanding the program’s reach even further.
Year 4: The Ignite Leadership and Development programs were revamped to ensure ongoing relevance and to align with the evolving needs of participants. They were expanded to eight modules, each lasting 1.5 hours every fortnight, now spanning a three-month duration resulting in greater stickability. Presently, the program runs eight cohorts annually.
Success and impact
The Ignite program has yielded significant outcomes:
Greater accessibility: The shift from in-person to online delivery broadened the program’s accessibility, enabling participation from remote team members and individuals with challenging schedules. This change eliminated physical boundaries, making development accessible to all in a cost effective and impactful delivery mode.
Increased participation: The program’s success generated interest from team members who were eager to participate. This led to the creation of a slightly modified Ignite Leadership Program for team members. Over 400 team members have since benefitted, enhancing emotional intelligence skills across various levels within the organisation.
Consistency in leadership approach: The program consistently delivered a standardised yet cohort nuanced approach to leadership development, aligning leaders with the organisation’s values and objectives. This consistency has fostered a unified leadership culture throughout the organisation.
Enhanced organisational success: The Ignite Leadership Program’s impact translated into tangible improvements in team performance, employee engagement, and overall organizational success as measured by engagement and pulse surveys. The emphasis on empathy and relationship management fostered a more positive work environment, with lasting effects that extended to participant’s personal lives.
Feedback from participants
“I absolutely loved the training and got so much out of it, which I will use in my personal and professional life – I felt like we were in safe hands” Team member
“Not only has it has changed the way I do my job but also and for me more importantly how I parent my children” Team member
“I feel more confident about being an effective leader by being on a journey of continuous growth and development incorporating my learnings about the neuroscience to enhance my understanding of human behaviour as well as applying practical tools professionally and personally” Leader
“It is a really well curated experience from start to finish. Well paced and delivered. Lovely stitching together of info across modules and very well considered in terms of layering of info” Leader
“The carefully crafted modules were thoughtfully designed to progressively build upon existing knowledge and understanding, ensuring a seamless and cohesive learning journey. Each week, ample room for reflection was provided, affording me the invaluable opportunity to conduct a personal “pulse check” on my own growth and development” Leader
The resounding feedback from participants, both leaders and team members, reinforces the Ignite program’s reputation as the most impactful development initiative they’ve ever experienced. Its transformative influence not only shapes their professional lives but also extends to how they engage with their families and friends, creating a ripple effect that endures indefinitely. It’s a whole of person program supporting the organisations unwavering belief that ‘people matter’.
