BEtheBEST I
Asking friends in London who recruited graduates why this was the case, they explained that with so much competition a good degree is not enough.
am not quite sure where the idea to join the Army came from. I do not come from a traditional Army background and I spent my times at Mayfield playing
sport or with a paint brush in my hand… so when declaring to my family that my intention was to apply to become an Army officer and attend the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the word stunned comes to mind.
After a rigorous string of challenging interviews I found myself walking up the steps of Old College at Sandhurst, with my solitary possessions for the year and most importantly, my ironing board which, little did I know, would be used a lot. During that year at leadership school I can honestly say I have never been so challenged. Physical tests were an everyday occurrence but I learnt most of my lessons about leadership from the weeks spent out in the Brecon Beacons, in Wales, trying to motivate and get the best out of both myself and a group of strong characters when we were running on little food, sleep deprived and subjected to days of rain and cold. Lessons in camp were spent learning military history doctrine, learning how to apply technical tools and processes to complex problems, manage projects and create coherent plans. We also had room inspections, drill on the parade square and I even ironed my bed sheets! Even in these most mundane of tasks, with reflection, I can see their value in teaching me self- discipline, how to manage time, organisation and most importantly, about myself.
On leaving Sandhurst I went on to join the Education and Training Services. I spent 8 years in various roles including managing and leading soldiers as a platoon commander, gathering intelligence in Afghanistan, teaching soldiers and young officers leadership and management and acting as education advisor to the commander of the Army training regiments. I completed a post- graduate qualification and a masters degree, learnt Pashtu, went on numerous technical courses and had some fantastic times on adventure training expeditions. It gave me the opportunity to take on responsibility early and with postings changing every one to two years, I never had the chance to get too comfortable in any one position. In 2011 though I felt, it was time to leave and I found a position at a London university.
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At the university I started to see changes. Their degree programmes
offered industry placements, mentoring initiatives and students were being
encouraged to embrace the university’s community by joining social groups, clubs or start up their own initiatives. Sadly though many students didn’t participate, some lacking knowledge of what was available and some lacking the confidence to lead and participate in group activities. It wasn’t until I witnessed some leadership training at the university and questioned the value of it that the idea for my business was born.
IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD, START OFF BY MAKING YOUR BED
There is a great speech which US Navy Admiral William McRaven gives to university graduates at the University of Texas which really sums up the importance of how to start learning to lead. He states “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed”. This quote makes me smile and really sums up the ethos and values on which I have set up my business. I believe that if a student really wants to lead effectively, then they need to start with the right foundation of practical knowledge, skills and attitudes. Often I read that as a leader, you need to adopt a certain style and act in a specific way to achieve success. The issue with these theories are that they seem to change as quickly as fashion and secondly, you can find yourself being forced into a mould. The training and coaching I provide is aimed at encouraging students to develop as individuals.
I design bespoke leadership, enterprise and entrepreneurship and coaching courses and workshops for students. Students will build a tool box of skills that they can use and apply flexibly to whatever situation they encounter and gain experiences which lead to greater awareness of their strengths and behaviours as leaders and in teams. Students have so many opportunities to develop leadership experience, which should be harnessed at school, but key to their learning is having the right foundation of skills so they can consciously apply them
and gain learning and experience that they can then articulate at interviews. I also want to add value to their curriculum vitaes and therefore the courses I deliver are accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management. This is a vocationally recognised awarding body that employers recognise.
I joined the university at a time of great transition and uncertainty. As tuition fees increased, student applications decreased and there were questions raised around the validity of degrees which did not develop the employability skills or experience future employers wanted. I was surprised and saddened to see students with a good degree struggle to find employment.
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My aim is that students will confidently apply the training received, gaining experiences which empower them to develop a style of leadership that is uniquely theirs and keep them one step ahead of others in a tough competitive world.
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For more information and to find my contact details please go to my website at:
www.bethebest.org.uk
SophieBrigden(Class of 1993) The Old Cornelian SUMMER 2016
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