On the 23rd and 24th of March I joined the rest of my Laidlaw cohort at Durham University to undertake two days of Leadership Development in preparation for our upcoming LiAs. The workshops were informative and thought-provoking, fostering our leadership skills and allowing  safe space for us to learn and grow these skills. Across the various sessions we were introduced to a range of frameworks and models which can be directly applied to our LiAs and beyond.

One of the most useful tools I learned was the SBI (Situation-Behaviour-Impact) model. This model, implemented when responding to situations and in conflict management, emphasises focusing on clear articulation of the impact of specific behaviours or situations. I found this particularly valuable as it promotes and brings one back to constructive and respectful communication even when feeling overwhelmed. This approach will be useful when navigating challenges and collaborating with others, especially during my LiA where I will be working with 5 other girls on mini consulting projects during the CraftHER project.

Another invaluable tool was the 'Wheel of Life' exercise which encouraged me to reflect on how I prioritise different aspects of my life and highlighted which sections I feel accomplished in and where I could focus more of my efforts to boost satisfaction. Visually mapping these areas made it clear that balance is not something that happens automatically but requires intentional effort. Doing this first for my situation as a whole and then precisely for Laidlaw was highly beneficial and allowed me to identify which bits of my Laidlaw journey required more thought at that time. This idea was reinforced by the performance pyramid which highlighted the importance of building up - first by generating awareness, then crafting responsibility before performance. Together these frameworks reminded me that maintaining balance is just as important for leadership as ambition and community.

The session on SMARTER goals set a framework for how these aspects and thus goals could be achieved.  Going about goal-setting in such a clear and organised manner helps me to sit down and really think about the goal I am setting, making sure it is Specific - Measurable - Achievable - Realistic - Timebound - Exciting - Recorded. This made me realise how often I focus on the goal itself but not assessing to what extent it is a well thought through and articulated goal. Moving forward I plan to incorporate this framework in my goal-setting process, especially during my LiA where goals may change and I will need to set and asses new ones.

Another significant aspect of Graeme Taylor's workshops wad the analysis of our own values.  The process of identifying ten then six, then three and finally one core value from such an extensive list was challenging but revelatory. Identifying 'grace' as my core value gave me a clearer sense of how I want to craft my approach to both leadership as a whole, my journey through life and my LiA. Grace represents patience, empathy and the ability to respond thoughtfully, guiding how I handle challenges and new experiences.

With my upcoming LiA nearly in sight, Dr Nikki rutters sessions on volunteering vs voluntourism was especially impactful in shaping my perspective of this project and its impact. The session emphasised the importance of humility, cultural sensitivity and ethical impact, challenging us to critically examine the true nature fo some projects once thought ethical. The importance of projects being 'community-driven' was particularly reinforced and one ,amongst many, that I will keep at the front of my mind when engaging with my LiA. My role is not to impose solutions, but to listen, learn and contribute in a meaningful way that responds to the community's actual needs and not just our perceptions of their needs.

Finally, Dr Malamud's session on resilience in uncertainty and hazard risk and management highlighted the importance of adaptability and planning. Uncertainty can never be eliminated but appropriate planning can minimise the risks and effects of hazards. The session also drove home the importance of group collaboration and listening to everyone's ideas and opinions.

Overall, the leadership development workshops equipped me with both practical tools and a stronger sense of how I want to lead and interact with my LiA project. These insights will not only support my LiA but will also shape how I approach leadership, personal growth and the way I approach and interact with others in the future.