Peer learning groups prove their value

Cambridge Network’s peer learning service is going from strength to strength, enabling diverse groups – ranging from CEOs and managers to software leaders and technical directors – to share knowledge with like-minded individuals in a trusted environment.

 

Louise Rushworth, who manages some of the peer learning groups for the Network, points out some of the highlights of 2015:

A select group of CEOs from some of the fastest growing companies in Cambridge enjoyed several good sessions this year as part of the Cambridge Leaders’ Academy, most recently learning about corporate psychopathy with Professor Clive Boddy in a reprise of his successful event as key speaker back in February. Hearing from Keith McNeill, the former CEO of Addenbrooke’s, shortly after he had left his job was also a fascinating insight into the NHS. The group visits other organisations during the programme with the tour of GCHQ being a particular privilege this year.

The Technology & Innovation group attracted record numbers of R&D managers from a variety of sectors to its session on Lean Product Development, held at Carl Zeiss. The group discussed ‘Lean’, the various Kanban tools and the pros and cons of Agile in software projects. It was refreshing and possibly surprising to hear about the importance of books in learning at work, with one company holding a book club to learn about a topic before all team members meet to discuss the key points and how they might be applied in their organisation.

The pros and cons of Agile was a popular subject this Autumn, also being addressed by our embryonic Embedded Software group who had an interesting and interactive taster session led by Learning Collaboration trainer, Feabhas, which we hope will take off in the New Year. Watch this space!

The New Managers’ group kicked off in April for their annual programme of facilitated peer learning. There can be many challenges for new managers, from taking on and integrating new team members to knowing when something might not be your problem and it’s great that the group can support each other under the skilled direction of Development Group International. The group finished 2015 with a Christmas lunch at the excellent Cambridge Regional College.

These are just a few of the groups we run. There are more and if you’d like to see the full list please keep an eye on our website here where you will see contacts for the various groups.  

 If you are keen to find out more, please contact me Louise.Rushworth@cambridgenetwork.co.uk




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