Initial Challenges in Leadership Cohesion

When the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) first began collaborating, there were significant challenges in aligning around common goals and objectives. The team lacked trust,transparency, and joint accountability, leading to unhealthy competition and conflict. Budget discussions often revealed protective behaviours, with individuals with holding information and creating “slush funds” to cover potential issues. Leaders were more focused on their own team’s goals rather than the organisation's collective objectives, resulting in a disconnected and siloed environment.

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Trust and Healthy Conflict

Effective leadership requires trust and healthy conflict, where issues are debated constructively without personal attacks. Initially, the CLT struggled with this, avoiding challenging discussions and allowing toxic behaviours to persist. There were low levels of trust, and leaders often acted in their own interests rather than working towards a shared goal.

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What We Did

A 2-day in-person alignment and cohesion workshop to connect leaders on a human and personal level to each other and to a shared purpose. Together we created a charter around empowering beliefs, leadership identity and guiding values. It’s the start of an ongoing journey to take the firm’s leadership from good to great.

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The Transformation with Open Water

How have the CLT's dynamics changed?

During a budget discussion, a leader requested additional funds to address critical infrastructure issues necessary for patient data management and a digital disease awareness campaign. Instead of facing resistance or underhanded comments, the team responded with joint problem-solving and support. Leaders were willing to adjust their budgets and prioritise the collective goal over individual needs, demonstrating a dramatic shift towards a cohesive, goal-oriented team.

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Building a Unified Culture

The transformation in the CLT reflects a broader investment in developing leadership and fostering a unified organisational culture. This change is crucial as leaders directly influence the entire commercial organisation. Establishing trust and joint accountability is essential for preventing rumours, toxic behaviours, and ensuring a collaborative environment. The goal is for leaders to model the desired behaviours, setting a precedent for the entire organisation to follow.

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Ongoing Commitment to Remarkable Leadership

The commitment to leadership development is ongoing, with investments in time and training to reinforce the importance of trust and collaborative problem-solving. The belief is that the organisation's culture and success begin with its leaders, who must embody the principles of transparency, accountability, and collective success.

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