Success School Seminar-1: Ethical Leadership

Adrian Lee

Chief Constable, Northamptonshire Police

Venue: University of Northampton, Park Campus
Room: Conference Room 19, Sunley Management Centre, Boughton Green Road, Northampton, NN2 7AL

Summary

With this seminar the Dialogue Society, Birmingham Branch launched the Dialogue Society Success School, which is intended to be run at different branches around the country. The aim of the School is to inspire, encourage and equip participants to aim high and to work towards success. Its primary target audience is local young people whose personal circumstances may create additional challenges as they work to fulfil their potential in education and in their working lives. This particular seminar, with Adrian Lee, Chief Constable of the Northamptonshire Police, was designed to attract the attention of participants to the ethical dimension of success and leadership. Mr Lee illustrated his theoretical arguments with examples from his own experience gained in the course of his own personal success story.

About Success School

Dialogue Society Birmingham Branch’s Success School aims to inspire, encourage and equip people to aspire to and work towards success. Participants will be challenged to think differently about their prospects. To this end the school will provide inspiration, encouragement and advice through the stories of a range of successful professionals. It will also help participants to explore and understand the factors which make for success, provide valuable tips. Further, the School will establish a network to provide participants with ongoing support, advice and networking opportunities.

Objectives

To eliminate psychological and cultural barriers to success
To raise aspirations
To provide encouragement and support to participants at a pivotal stage in their lives and careers
To inspire participants through the stories of others’ success
To build understanding of the factors which make for success and of barriers to it
To provide valuable practical advice, hints and tips
To build a network of participants, the Birmingham Branch staff and contributors to provide an ongoing source of support, advice and networking opportunities

Target Audience

The Birmingham Branch’s Success School is primarily aimed at those from disadvantaged backgrounds, where personal circumstances tend to prevent individuals from achieving their full potential. Young people (16-27) in the local area falling into this category will be a key target audience. This will include young people from ethnic minorities.

Methodology

The Success School will operate through a series of 10 presentations, which will explore the underlying dynamics, causes, and methods of success. Each presentation will either:

Explore academic research and empirical evidence that helps us better understand the causes of success (2 presentations)
Discuss techniques, attitudes and skills that help develop potential and achieve greater effectiveness, or (2 presentations)
Present role models who have become successful in their chosen field to discuss their ‘story’ and know-how. (6 presentations)

Participants will be able to meet in person with the speakers and engage with them on a more personal level. They will also have time to get to know each other and the Birmingham Branch staff informally over refreshments after each session, building a supportive network. An alumni networking event at the end of the School will encourage ongoing contact and support between participants, the Birmingham Branch staff and guests.