Simulations: Project Leadership™

The challenge

Project and Programme Leaders often learn and make mistakes in a live environment, which can be costly and car er-limiting. They acquire the hard skills of managing projects or programmes, but the soft skills of consulting, selling solutions, and managing expectations are often neglected in typical training.

The life cycle of major projects is often measured in months or years, with the 'lessons learned' piece coming at the end (if at all) when it is too late. Here, the delegates are developing reflective and analytical skills, as well as soft skills, making them better equipped to implement continuous improvement and address problems proactively.

How will this workshop help

Indigo's two-day Project Leadership™ simulation provides participants a realistic and dynamic experience of running a large project.

Achieving project objectives on time, on budget and consistently (while keeping major stakeholders happy) is at the heart of our Project Leadership simulation. Developed in conjunction with the Major Projects Association, and using the construction of a new football stadium as the setting, participants learn to manage multiple aspects of the project while dealing with uncertainties and risks.

This blend of an eight-hour simulation (played in two to three phases) with learning sessions brings the theory behind leading project leaders to life. The subsequent debrief focuses on strategy and replanning. The phases of the Simulation are interspersed with short bursts of theory that align with PRINCE2 and Managing Successful Programmes.

Workshop benefits

Clients who have a competency framework for employee development list 'delivery' as a core competence at all levels. This workshop enables delegates to test themselves 'in vitro' to determine if their knowledge and behaviours are working in tandem.

Project Leadership provides you with techniques to lead both your immediate team members and your wider stakeholders. The Simulation focuses on your leadership of the wider stakeholders. By working as a team member in your simulation group, you gain valuable experience in leading a team and building consensus over decisions, both in the Simulation and in the classroom. 

Project Leadership increases confidence by underlining what team members are doing right (with immediate feedback) and providing valuable feedback on areas that need further development. It provides best practice terms of reference to those project leaders who are self-taught or have learned on the job.

Workshop outline

• Simulation setting - background and context.
• Project and programme initiation.
• Project and programme scoping.
• Stakeholder management.

Part 1 - Football Stadium Simulation

• Project and programme structure, governance and reporting.
• Preparation and planning for the Football Stadium Simulation - part 2.
• Summary of the learning.

Part 2 - Football Stadium Simulation

• Risk management.
• Change management.
• Issue management and escalation.

Part 3 - Football Stadium Simulation

• Team debrief on their own performance.
• Results of the Football Stadium Simulation.
• Action planning.

Who should attend?

This workshop is ideal for any manager or consultant who relies on consulting, influencing, and building consensus to get things done. It is suitable for:

• Project Managers.
• Programme Managers.
• Project Team Members.
• Project Team Leaders.