 Helmsmanship was developed by a leadership expert from a 7 year PhD study in leadership and learning, combined with over 25 years experience as a leadership developer and trainer.
The Helmsmanship syllabus is the result of years of incubation, developing through 15 years experience with the direction of a management diploma, PhD level studies over 7 years (the literature review with 649 references available at Helmsmanship Level 7 independently described as ‘outstanding’) and broad experience in business, in volunteer organisations and the Services.
The syllabus content arises from a distillation of the leadership literature. The learning application itself and methods derive from a study of learning needs analysis and marketing communications application. The latter was observed as a proven way of communicating ‘learning’ - equivalent to the communications used by marketers to persuade people to take interest, act and then purchase products and services.
The overarching syllabus aims to develop ‘How to Lead’ skills progressively (starting as early even as primary school level) to apprentices, potential or new leaders, all the way to chief executive level.
For whom is Helmsmanship suited? Helmsmanship is suitable for both adults and children, experienced manager or novice. Whether you are a manager in the workplace, chairing a voluntary sector committee or asked to lead a schools sports team, you can apply Helmsmanship - provided that you want to lead!
What is the result? Helmsmanship - once learned and practised - along with communication competence in giving direction, is a precursor to confident leadership throughout life. Leadership is the continual practice of Helmsmanship, a valuable lifeskill that should be learnt and cherished early.
Why is it needed? People whose knowledge, skills and experience are recognised by a group as needed in certain situations will find themselves turned to for direction. The group size may be large or small. The occurrence may be daily. When this happens, the chosen leader's approach and communication of the solution to the situation, will determine what the group does and how they do it.
The level of enthusiasm with which the group set about the task will to an extent depend on the confidence level in the leader's judgment and the persuasiveness of the communication. Research also shows that in today's businesses, leadership is a contributor to the bottom line.
What happens if Helmsmanship is not taken up? People appointed as leaders often fail without adequate preparation or knowledge of how to lead. Books and courses on leadership are often confusing and inappropriate - especially for a novice leader. The result is either a steep learning curve (which can be very stressful) or failure. Learning and practising Helmsmanship will give every leader the confidence to succeed.
 Helmsmanship for Adults. In these four units (equivalent to Levels 5-8 in the QCF), the learning materials are set in workplace situations offering alternative solutions which the Helmsmanship learner can select and both follow through the material and/or put into practice into the workplace. Feedback on the success of each Helmsmanship task undertaken is provided both in the material or - if desired - through mentoring or coaching offered by Go Lead Ltd. See also our Guidance for HR staff.
Young Helmsmanship. A child that acquires Young Helmsmanship knowledge and skills will be more confident in adult life. For a child, Young Helmsmanship skills can be achieved through learning and practising topics in a fun way, with testing carried out in small groups overseen by a helper (parent or teacher). Young Helmsmanship are consistent with Levels 1-4 in the QCF. Contact us for more details. |
