Hello...Andrew Townley-Wells

At Lancaster University Management School we offer flexible client based programmes that enable your employees to develop their career, whilst working. Our Career Focus series speaks to Andrew, who completed a two year rotational graduate scheme with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) which includes an online learning? MSc in Leadership Practice. #NHSCareers #Manchesteruniversityhealthcaretrust #organisationdevelopment #earlycareers #graduateschemes #workbasedlearning

1.Introduce yourself and briefly outline your career history.??

Hello! My name is Andrew Townley-Wells. I am originally from sunny Lancaster and completed my BSc (Hons) Management degree at the University of Manchester. Whilst studying in Manchester, I completed a ‘year in industry’ at Liverpool Football Club in their marketing division, which allowed me to put into practice the key management theory I was learning throughout my studies. After graduating in 2020, I was successful in securing a place on the award- winning Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) graduate development scheme. Over two years, the scheme has equipped me the knowledge, skills, and experience to be a future leader within the National Health Service, whilst allowing me to complete my MSc in Leadership Practice from Lancaster University.??

Having now completed the graduate scheme, I have joined the MFT Organisational Development team as an OD facilitator, helping to enact meaningful change across the Trust.? As a facilitator, it is my role to host a broad range of development workshops with MFT teams that have requested guidance on management topics e.g., Team culture, Team identity, and Team civility. This role is very rewarding, I enjoy seeing those ‘lightbulb’ moments when participants learn something new or gain a new perspective, as well as the chance to work with a large variety of healthcare professionals and learning from their insights. One of the main challenges I face in my role is mitigating resistance to change from teams that do not recognise they need an intervention from the organisational development team. This resistance to change can come from a variety of sources, but ultimately it disrupts workshops and creates a barrier to conversation if participants are not lead through the change process effectively.??

2. Why did you decide to study a work-based leadership and management programme at Lancaster University???

I decided to study a work-based leadership and management programme as it emphasized the practical application of theory into real-world work environments. I wanted to experience a more blended learning approach, that not only taught me about key models and theories in the management field, but also allowed me to apply and critique these based on my personal experience. I found Lancaster University to be the best institution to study with as they are currently ranked amongst the UK’s top 10 business schools, with an established leadership and management course adapted to suit my graduate scheme with MFT.?

In addition to experiencing a new type of learning, I was keen to further my education with Lancaster University to enhance my career progression. The knowledge and skills I have developed on my programme have allowed me to bring real value back to my organisation, placing me in a good position to be considered for more senior roles.? In essence, I decided to study at LUMS to challenge myself intellectually, to build upon my knowledge and skills within the management field, and to advance my career opportunities.??

3. What do you feel that you have learnt from your studies???

One of the most important skills I have learnt from my studies is the ability to critically reflect on both my learning and experiences. Each module of my course concluded with a critical reflection exercise, which has improved my self-awareness and has allowed me to effectively learn from my experiences. I found Gibbs reflective cycle especially useful when reflecting, as it breaks down your experiences into easy-to-understand stages. This cycle also aligns nicely with the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) change model, in which experiential learning and reflection are key to success.??

Another important skill I have learnt is how to conduct action research within a large and complex organisation, and how to lead and mange people through change. My studies have given me the knowledge and understanding of how to become a researcher in my own workplace, to critically evaluate its practice and to implement improvement solutions. For my final submission, I demonstrated this by analysing the current Talent Management approach used by Saint Mary’s Department of Genomic Medicine, and implementing a new professional skills framework that improves succession planning and identifies potential knowledge/skill gaps.??

Throughout my final submission I also drew upon my learning around leadership styles. One of my key learning points on the course was understanding that to be an effective leader, you need to be able to adapt to those you are leading. Prior to my studies, I assumed everyone had their own leadership style that couldn’t be changed. My studies have taught me that everyone has a natural leadership style preference, but this can be adapted to best suit the needs of others, depending on the situation. I really enjoyed learning about Situational Leadership Theory (Hersey & Blanchard, 1969) which makes the distinction between supportive and directive leadership styles that can be adopted depending on the situation.??

4. How have your studies impacted on you as a leader and manager and as a human being???

My studies have greatly improved my self-awareness as a leader. My course granted me access to self-assessment tools such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator test, which helped understand both my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to work and in my personal life. For example, I learnt that my ENFJ personality works well when it comes to working with and supporting others, however I may have the tendency to overextend myself in the same pursuit. I think understanding and being aware of your own weaknesses greatly improves your ability as a leader and allows you to build ‘vulnerability-based trust’ (Lencioni, 2003), which forms the foundation of true teamwork.??

As a human being, I think my studies have given me a great sense of confidence both in my chosen field of leadership and management, but also in life to purse great achievements. Working full time and studying at the same time has been very challenging at times, but completing my studies is proof to myself that I can achieve any task I set my mind to.???

In the short term, I hope to continue my role as an organisational facilitator to further improve my knowledge and skills of the profession, whilst also expanding my career network within MFT. I feel my course has given me the knowledge, skills, and ability to now add real value to the Trust, and I look forward to exploring more senior roles within the people profession in due course.??

6. What would you advise anybody thinking of undertaking work-based study???

I would advise taking your time to consider which course you would like to study, and making sure it is the right course for you. Try to choose a course that aligns with your industry/field and one that complements your work schedule, as your learning will interlink with your current job role. I also would consider your motivation for undertaking work-based study; are you looking to advance your career, gain new skills, or switch to a different field? All these questions are good to consider as they will help to motivate you throughout your studies.??

Overall, I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering undertaking work-based study, I have found the balance of theory and practical learning extremely rewarding, and I am now in a strong position to fast-track my career progression.??

References?

Hersey, P. and Blanchard, K.H., 1969. Life cycle theory of leadership. Training & Development Journal.?

Lencioni, P.M., 2003. The trouble with teamwork.?Leader to leader,?2003(29), pp.35-40.?

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