Brimming with self-reflection and growth, the I-SEA Wave 2 Changemakers elevated their leadership skills to new heights at the I-SEA Leadership Training at IKEA Alam Sutera! This thoughtful two-day training is the continuation from the first leadership training, gathering Changemakers in exploring diverse leadership styles and developing essential qualities with a focus on building the foundation of effective leadership. The activities were filled with impactful moments where each one deepened their insight into leadership in surprising ways.

Day 1: Leading with Emotional Awareness

The first day kicked off with a vibrant blend of reflection, group activities, and fresh insights about emotional intelligence and leadership styles. Divided into two groups, the Changemakers began with a reflective exercise, discussing what they had managed to apply the learnings from the previous training module and sharing moments of growth. This activity set the tone for a day devoted to understanding the essence of emotional intelligence and how different leadership styles shape our interactions.

Unpacking Emotional Intelligence

Changemakers were given a thought provoking video, challenging them to think like an emotional intelligence expert. This exercise got everyone digging into the idea that emotional intelligence isn’t just a buzzword, it is built on personal skills we can all grow. Together, changemakers explored the five core personal competencies that navigate one’s emotional intelligence, which are self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, social awareness, and relationship management. Each of these competencies came to life as they examined real-life situations, noting how specific factors can positively or negatively influence emotional intelligence.

Finding The Right Leadership Styles

Next up, the Changemakers shifted focus to the fascinating insights of leadership styles, exploring affiliative, coaching, visionary, cohesive, democratic, and appreciative approaches. Each person was prompted to reflect on which style felt like their nature, which style posed a challenge, and which one they wanted to strengthen. Surprisingly, even ‘positive’ styles, like cohesive and appreciative, can have drawbacks in some contexts. This part of the session sparked a real lightbulb moment as they realized that effective leadership is not about sticking to a single ‘good’ style, but it is about knowing when to switch things up. The group wrapped up with a personal assessment, identifying their own go-to styles and considering ways to build a more adaptable and balanced leadership skill set.

Hands On Learning

The hands-on activity took a creative twist when Changemakers were challenged to build the best paper plane! The top three “pilots” with the longest flights got a special task: teaching their winning techniques to the rest of the group. This fun exercise showcased the magic of non-directive support, where leaders guide instead of dictate, empowering others to discover solutions on their own. It was a powerful lesson in how subtle guidance can spark creativity, learning, and teamwork. The day wrapped up with an action learning session, where everyone shared personal experiences, and peers asked thoughtful, reflective questions. This peer-led approach encouraged critical thinking and helped each Changemaker walk away with fresh insights and practical takeaways to put into action.

Day 2: Digging into Motivational Theory

The morning began with a hands-on session exploring the T-GROW (Topic, Goal, Reality, Options, and Will) Coaching model, a framework that Changemakers practiced by coaching each other. Working in pairs, they tried out this structured approach, which involves setting clear goals, evaluating the current situation, exploring options, and creating a plan to move forward. It was a valuable way to build coaching skills and experience the impact of goal-oriented guidance in action.

The energy then shifted to an insightful exercise on motivation. Two volunteers took center stage, while the group worked together to encourage them to move from their spot, testing out persuasive techniques and exploring what fuels people’s motivation. This led to an engaging discussion on the different “motivation palettes” we each bring to work, from introverted feeling, introvert thinking, extrovert feeling, and extrovert thinking. By identifying their own styles, each Changemaker gained fruitful thoughts on what drives them and how they can connect more effectively with others, setting for a more collaborative and people-centered leadership approach.

As the I-SEA Leadership Training wrapped up, Changemakers left with fresh perspectives, practical tools, and a renewed sense of purpose. Over two transformative days, they engaged in deep self-reflection, uncovered the power of emotional intelligence, experimented with diverse leadership styles, and honed their coaching skills through the T-GROW model. With a vibrant mix of learning, sharing, and action, these Changemakers are now set to carry forward their skills, ready to influence their social enterprises with clarity, empathy, and resilience. It is inspiring to imagine the ripples of positive change they will create, armed with the power of effective, people-centered leadership!

Building Leadership’s Empathy, Growth and Impact at I-SEA Leadership Training

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Day 1: Leading with Emotional Awareness

Unpacking Emotional Intelligence

Finding The Right Leadership Styles

Hands On Learning

Day 2: Digging into Motivational Theory