Tandem Leadership

Brand New Newsletter Alert! ?? Tandem is excited to introduce a?new space for ideas, insights and resources on leadership in the humanitarian and development sector–our quarterly newsletter. Here’s a preview of everything you’ll find: 1?? ?????????????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????????? ??????????????: Get actionable advice from those on the frontlines of today’s toughest crises. 2?? ?????????????? ?????????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????????????????? ??????????: Access learning materials to help hone your leadership abilities. 3?? ???????????? ?????????????? ???????? ?????? ???????????? ????????:?Engage with Team Tandem and our activities. Sign up for our quarterly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eEFUfT9U #TandemTips #TandemLeaders #Leadership #Learning #LearningAndDevelopment?

Leaders in the humanitarian and development sector must confront a tough reality: addressing needs has become ever more complex, and conventional models of leadership are no longer suitable.? ? How does Tandem help its leaders manage this dynamic?? ? Shahin Ashraf MBE, (Head of Global Advocacy, Islamic Relief Worldwide) breaks down how Tandem’s unique learning journey equips leaders for the future:? ? - ?????????????? ?????????????? ?????? ????????????????????: from decision-making to courageous conversations, there's always something new to learn.??? - ???????????????????? ????????????: the programme goes beyond theory, focusing on understanding and harnessing one’s own leadership style.??? - ?? ???????????? ??????????????????: grounded in the exchange of ideas and insights among leaders working in diverse settings, Tandem builds real connections.?? Want to hear more insights from our brilliant cohort of leaders? Sign up for the Tandem newsletter to get regular leadership tips and learning resources in your inbox:?https://lnkd.in/euYWC__R #TandemLeaders #Leadership #Learning #LearningAndDevelopment?

As International Stress Awareness Week comes to a close, we’re revisiting Tandem expert Lira Low’s recent roundtable on Grounding in Wellbeing and Resilience. For humanitarian leaders operating in high-stress environments, mental wellbeing often takes a backseat to immediate tasks and responsibilities. But it’s crucial that leaders recognise its importance in building resilience and fortitude both within themselves and their teams. The roundtable discussion with our leaders emphasised the vital importance of putting wellbeing first and consciously and effectively addressing stress. This illustration from Drawnalism Ltd captures the essence of the sessions. ? #InternationalStressAwarenessDay #StressAwarenessWeek #MentalHealthMatters #TandemLeaders

WHAT MAKES Tandem Leadership SPECIAL? Recently I had the honor to join the facilitation team for the Tandem program led by ODI Global with USAID. A new cohort is now engaged in a 9 months program designed for senior leaders from the Humanitarian & Development sector. It took me time to “land” after this renewed experience (8 days), and to find words to best describe it. Friends and clients keep asking me “but why is tandem a special program? Isn’t it just a normal, even if smart, leadership development program?”. No, it is not just a normal leadership program! And Yes, it is unique. WHY SO? The tandem experience is unique because it is the result of a well-considered equation factoring in multiple ingredients leading to a transformative experience. To name just a few: ? All 34 participants have been carefully selected. It is a perfect casting of amazing identities (seniority, motivation, potential for the sector, diversity (of countries, organisations, gender, duty stations, cultures, …) ? A highly dynamic and blended learning approach, providing a psychological safe learning space, mixing plenary, buddy system, executive coaching, dedicated homegroups, peer coaching and support, group work, case studies, ? A dedicated design team and support team, adjusting continuously the program and flow to the specificities of the participants and their learning needs ?Boosted peer learning dynamic through in “HomeGroups”, where participants in small groups?(6 to 8) can connect in full confidentiality and share their leadership challenges, learn and provide peer coaching, get support from a dedicated coach during the journey ? Monthly online modules, roundtables and live sessions with carefuly selected SMEs from the sector. Great ingredients. However, the Tandem magic comes from : ? its aim: creating a community of senior leaders in the sector to connect and break the silos among organisations for the benefit of the populations in need.? ? The timing: More than ever the sector is being challenged, International Humanitarian Law is being ignored, disruptions are everywhere and impact the sector. More than ever, senior leaders in the sector need to reinvent themselves, and by doing so help their organisations transform themselves, increasing the risk for leaders to be alone, drained and missing oxygen. And this is where the Magic of Tandem comes in: a unique space and experience to connect, shape a new community, get new inspiration and prepare for the future now, all together across organisations, cultures and geographies. Thank you all for allowing me to accompany you and support the Tandem Journey, it means a lot to me and is a great source of inspiration for me. Tandem Leadership, MRG (Management Research Group),Sasha Kapadia, Danielle Skidmore, Katie Robertson, Tom Alwyn, Elaine Antwi, Lira Low, Carla Vitantonio (she/ella/elle), Tricia Naddaff (she/her/hers),Yene Assegid, PhD, ICF/MCC, Uli Otto, Camil El Khoury, Herbert Dreier, Staci Nisbett

Humanitarian leaders on the frontlines of global crises grapple with both unpredictability and complexity, often causing high stress. In such pressured environments, it is difficult to set aside time?for self-care, as the demands of the job come first. ? ? Today marks International Stress Awareness Day, a much-needed reminder for leaders in the humanitarian and development sector to prioritise time for their wellbeing.? ? Hear from Tandem coach Camil Khoury as he emphasises the need for leaders to take regular moments to pause, destress and recharge. He further highlights how?Tandem ensures they protect their own wellbeing as ardently as they serve their communities. ? ? #InternationalStressAwarenessDay #StressAwarenessWeek #MentalHealthMatters #TandemLeaders? ? International Stress Management Association UK

What do humanitarian leaders need to better manage complex crises? ?? ? On ODI’s Think Change podcast, Tandem graduate Gaurav Ray, BSc, MBA, Dip-HA (Head of Bangladesh Office, Deutsches Rotes Kreuz) recounts how the programme created a lively space to develop a host of leadership skills, including: ?? Navigating uncertainty in challenging contexts? ?? Valuing and cultivating meaningful partnerships ? ??♂? Applying ‘strategic patience’ to set aside moments of self-reflection?? Tune in to the full discussion, featuring Gaurav’s Tandem peer Lisa JEAN (Iraq Country Director, MAG (Mines Advisory Group)), Sasha Kapadia (Director of Global Advisory, ODI), and hosted by Sara Pantuliano (Chief Executive, ODI): https://lnkd.in/e__rjjKC #ThinkChangePodcast #TandemLeaders #Leadership #Learning #LearningAndDevelopment?

Leaders are not made of Teflon, and yet they’re expected to comport themselves in a way that provides comfort and reassurance to their teams and organisations. But –? ?? “By taking care of your own wellbeing, demonstrating vulnerability grounded in strength, and ensuring staff have relatable and accessible high-quality mental health and psychosocial support as part of their self-care, you will be creating not just resilient teams, but anti-fragile teams.” Lira Low, one of Tandem’s experts, joined our cohort last week to delve deeper into this often-sensitive dynamic. Our graphic recorder Drawnalism Ltd captured some of the key takeaways from the sessions.

What does it mean to decolonise leadership? Tandem brings together diverse leaders from across the humanitarian and development sector to interrogate and upend preconceived notions about one’s own power and positionality. During our first cohort’s closing retreat in June, we hosted a wide-ranging discussion uncovering the challenges leaders face on the journey to decolonise leadership -- while also proposing real solutions. Featuring insights from: ? Heba Aly (journalist, former CEO of The New Humanitarian)? ? Carlos Esteban Mejia Solano (organisational development and leadership consultant, formerly Oxfam)? ? Alice Ruhweza (Senior Director, Policy Influence and Engagement, WWF) Listen to the full discussion: https://lnkd.in/e6EtkBDR How can we, in Carlos’ words, “be the change we need to see” and put decolonisation into practice? Share your experiences in the comments ? #TandemLeaders #Leadership #Learning #LearningAndDevelopment?

“Having a compelling collective vision really helps the team to stay motivated even when we are facing challenges.” To effectively address the challenges of today, approaches to crisis resolution must evolve to include mutual cooperation and growth. On ODI's Think Change podcast, Lisa JEAN (Iraq Country Director, MAG (Mines Advisory Group)) emphasises the importance of a collective vision in building solidarity, important both within organisations and across the sector.? The full discussion also features Tandem graduate Gaurav Ray, BSc, MBA, Dip-HA (Head of Bangladesh Office, Deutsches Rotes Kreuz), Sasha Kapadia (Director of Global Advisory, ODI), and host Sara Pantuliano (Chief Executive, ODI).? Have a listen: https://lnkd.in/e__rjjKC #ThinkChangePodcast #TandemLeaders #Leadership #Learning #LearningAndDevelopment

“You need that spark to be the leader you wish to be.” ? Appearing on the Think Change podcast, ODI’s Director of Global Advisory Sasha Kapadia – who oversees Tandem – discussed the hallmark of a good leader: a willingness to learn. Tandem ignites that spark for growth. Through the programme, leaders take a moment to pause and reflect on their power and positionality, strengths and limitations, and leadership potential. Listen to the full episode on what makes a great leader today, as host Sara Pantuliano (Chief Executive, ODI) is also joined by Tandem graduates Gaurav Ray, BSc, MBA, Dip-HA (Head of Bangladesh Office, Deutsches Rotes Kreuz), Lisa JEAN (Iraq Country Director, Mines Advisory Group): https://lnkd.in/e__rjjKC #ThinkChangePodcast #TandemLeaders #Leadership #Learning #LearningAndDevelopment