Business and Economics

Blended Intensive Programme

Leadership Development

Blended Intensive Programme

Leadership Development

As the name suggests, a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) is a combination of a short, physical mobility abroad with a mandatory virtual component. This innovative programme promotes online learning exchange and teamwork. The Faculty of Business and Economics offers a BIP in Leadership Development.

Leadership Development

The way in which we work is drastically changing in recent years. Lifelong learning and flexibility are becoming a must in our fast-paced world, in which new skill sets are constantly needed (e.g., new technologies, new methodologies…). People work much more hybrid and location independent. You see a trend away from formal hierarchical structures, more towards flexible organizational structures. More people really want to make a difference in the world, look for true meaning in their work (see trending concepts such as the purpose economy, meaning of work…) and at the same time, also pursue a healthy life balance.

In this more demanding and chaotic context, it is crucial that professionals develop a strong inner compass and "human" skills to keep moving forward in a healthy and sustainable way, next to pure technical skills. That is also why leadership is such a hot topic today. It's much more than just a formal role in an organisation or project. It's also a skill, belief and value set. It also refers to a mindset, and -even- a state of being. 

In this course, we are going to explore the leader in all of the participants, despite the actual formal functions they will be pursuing in the future. We are going to focus on "leading the self" first and then move on to "leading the result and leading others".

For who?

Both FBE students and international students can take part. You can find more practical information about the selection procedure as a current FBE student on the student portal.

Learning outcomes

  • Develop the role of analyst
    • You are able to reflect - with an open, curious mind and an open, mild heart - on (self-)leadership related themes, such as human and team dynamics,
      leadership styles, roles, feedback and purpose.
    • You are able and willing to take different perspectives on real-life leadership related challenges.
    • You can critically reflect on your own behavior and learning process and on how theoretical frameworks and exercises contributed to your own personal development.
  • Develop the role of strategist: You can integrate and unite different perspectives to come up with win-win solutions. You can also collaborate with a diverse group of people, in team, in an open and constructive way.
  • Develop the role of creator: You are capable of formulating different, potential solutions and recommendations which can be applied in a personal context as well as in a team context. You can also co-create potential solutions with a diverse group of people.
  • Develop the role of coordinator: You are able to apply and integrate different frameworks, concepts and tools to specific real-life situations.
  • Develop the role of inspirer: You are able to discuss your analyses, solutions and learnings in a clear and respectful way with others, write them down in a clear paper and present your main insights to the group in a transparent, coherent and inspiring way.

Format

Wednesday May, 3 (9.30a.m. -12p.m.): Kick-off event (live online)

  • Short introduction of/by the BIP-team
  • A group "check-in" round
  • Introduction of the full program + kick-off online program
  • Setup of intervision groups for the coming weeks
  • Q&A practicalities

Week of May, 8: Leadership Development

  • Prerecorded videos to watch and learn
  • Individual assignments to prepare
  • Intervision group session of about two hours
  • One hour live stream Check-in + Q&A on pre-submitted questions on this topic

Week of May, 15: Self-Awareness

  • Prerecorded videos to watch and learn
  • Individual assignments to prepare + Individual assessment to fill in
  • What will be the evaluation? Intervision group session of about two hours
  • One hour live stream Check-in + Q&A on pre-submitted questions on this topic

Week of May, 22: Purpose

  • Prerecorded videos to watch and learn
  • Individual assignments to prepare
  • Intervision group session of about two hours
  • One hour live stream Check-in + Q&A on pre-submitted questions on this topic

Hand in a written paper based on the three modules before June, 9

In June until the first week of July (self-paced): Non-violent communication

  • Prerecorded videos to watch and learn
  • Individual assignments to prepare
  • Bring your preparation to the live week in Antwerp

Week of July, 10: 5-day program in Antwerp

  • Informal opening session
  • First two days workshops on leading the self
    • Further elaborating on the previous online modules and exercises
    • Welcoming guest coaches/speakers
  • One day offsite
    • Group coaching session with horses
    • Setting clear goals
    • Giving clear feedback
  • Last two days on leading others
    • One day to further elaborate on team dynamics
    • One closing day with intervision and poster sessions
  • A closing dinner

Evaluation

  • Continuous assessment
    • Based on online participation & live participation in Antwerp
    • Criteria: both attendance and quality of participation
  • Paper & presentation
    • A paper based on the online modules (deadline: June 9)
    • A live intervision and poster session (last day of the live week)