HAVE A CLEAR AND MODULAR CONTENT STRUCTURE

This has to focus on developing individual leadership capabilities and on developing the business.

RECOGNISE THE VALUE OF ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Scaleups have different needs at different stages of a life cycle. A leadership programme with an account management structure that offers ongoing guidance, feedback and connectivity is a feature of impactful leadership programmes.

BE CLEAR ABOUT THE TIMESCALES AND THE LEVEL OF COMMITMENT

Most leadership programmes span between nine to 18 months, involving approximately ten days of face-to-face learning reinforced by online tools. Taking a long-term approach, the Sharing in Growth programme runs over a period of four years.

ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME AND SCOPE FOR FEEDBACK AND DISCUSSION WITH PEERS 

The building of a trusted peer network is essential – and is hugely valued by participants.

INTRODUCE SCALEUPS TO INDIVIDUALS WHO CAN PROVIDE INSPIRATIONAL AND FRESH PERSPECTIVES

Invite role models to participate in classroom sessions, recognise the value of scaleup to scaleup advice and the need for individual coaching and mentoring.

BEING LOCAL IS IMPORTANT

Leveraging local resources for these programmes is a critical factor in fostering and strengthening the local scaleup ecosystem and scaleups value the local delivery of leadership programmes. National programmes such as Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK and London Stock Exchange ELITE have made specific efforts to nurture local ecosystem engagement and ties.

DURING THE PROGRAMME, KEEP THE PARTICIPANTS TOGETHER

Encourage networking outside of the actual workshops and events via social media or simple email groups.

LET THE PROGRAMME GO TO THE COMPANY, AS WELL AS THE COMPANY TO THE PROGRAMME

On Cranfield’s Business Growth Programme, “counsellors” (typically other entrepreneurs) will visit every business on their premises to understand the business fully and meet key stakeholders.

IT CAN BE FOR THE LEADERSHIP TEAM, NOT JUST FOR THE LEADER

Consider the options to include leadership ‘teams’ versus just CEOs. The Scaleup Leaders’ Academy has introduced workshops that specifically allow founders to include their wider leadership team.

BUILD A VIBRANT ALUMNI NETWORK

While the experience will create many personal friendships and professional relationships between participants, successful leadership programmes work hard to create “clubs” and other opportunities to get together after the programme has finished. For example, graduates of the Strathclyde Growth Advantage Programme continue to support each other and share their experiences as members of the Growth Advantage Club.

FROM THE START, IMPACT ANALYSIS IS VITAL

To demonstrate the strength of the programme and to generate continuous improvement, shared learning and best practice. Regularly monitor and evaluate the programme to ensure outcomes are met – not just on the financial performance and growth of the business, but the increased confidence and knowledge of the individuals.