HKU-UBS Sustainable and Social Innovation Leadership Programme (SSILP) aims to equip current and future nonprofit leaders with essential leadership competencies to better serve society. Here are some moments and highlights of this programme.
Lesson 1: Leadership Exploration & Adaptability
The first step towards becoming an successful leader is understanding different leadership styles and identifying one’s own most suitable approach. During the first lesson of SSILP, Professor Cheryl Chui from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) guided the 2024 cohort to reflect on their leadership strengths and desired leadership outcomes after completing the programme. These reflections marked the beginning of their 5-month leadership development journey, with participants eager to see their growth after 5 months.
Following the reflections, Dr. Andrew Hoang from the University of Hong Kong introduced classic leadership theories and facilitated discussions on how these theories apply to real-life scenarios. The participants engaged in organic and interactive conversations, opening up to their peers and setting the stage for their collaborative learning experiences.
Lesson 2: Strategic Thinking
Effective strategic planning is crucial for organizations to overcome challenges and ensures their long-term sustainability. As such, strategic thinking is a vital skill for current and future nonprofit leaders.
Dr. Lu Ke from HKU opened the lesson by exploring how strategies are formulated within participants’ organizations and introduced foundational theories of strategic thinking.
Building on this theoretical foundation, Ms. Sky Siu, Executive Director of KELY Support Group, shared her experience with making strategic decisions as a nonprofit leader. Using KELY’s challenges as a case study, participants applied their newly acquired strategic thinking tools and theories to real-world cases, ensuring their future applicability in addressing organizational challenges.
Lesson 3: Organizational Culture & Inclusiveness
Developing a healthy organizational culture is essential for nonprofit organizations, as it influences learning, development, and overall outcomes. However, achieving this can be a challenge for nonprofit leaders. During this lesson, Ms. Victoria Otero guided the cohort in identifying different types of organizational cultures and the challenges they pose in management and operations.
Participants worked together to find solutions for these challenges and shared advice on overcoming real struggles faced by their peers. This collaborative approach empowered participants to continue striving for healthier working environments and fostered a sense of camaraderie within the group.
