Leadership and management programme
lamp FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is LAMP?
- Instructions for using the LAMP Website
- Which Programme?
- What is Action Learning?
- What is a Learning Set?
- Why is project work an important part of LAMP?
- Do I need to develop a clear picture of my project before the LAMP programme begins?
- How do I access previous projects undertaken in the LAMP suite of programmes?
- How is LAMP designed?
- What is coursework?
- What topics can I expect to see covered in LAMP?
- Is any pre work required?
- What is a Cascade Group?
- Are the LAMP courses reviewed and evaluated?
- What is the LAMP Network?
What is LAMP?
LAMP is a suite of two programmes designed to improve the leadership and management capability of the New Zealand health and disability sector. It is an initiative of District Health Boards New Zealand and is designed and delivered by Management Consortium (the LAMP provider).
Instructions for using the LAMP Website
Which Programme?
Management Action Programme (MAP) lasts for nine months and is for existing District Health Board, Ministry of Health and other health sector managers who wish to enhance and consolidate their performance in their current role. MAP involves ten days of residential coursework in three blocks and the resolution of a project within the organisation.
Health Systems and Management for Clinicians (HSMC) is for clinical leaders in leadership roles that may include a management component. It involves two three-day workshops four to five months apart. Participants work on a project within their own work area or specialty.
What is Action Learning?
Action learning acknowledges that managers learn best by actually managing. Learning is seen as a combination of both “programmed input” and “questioning insight”. The programmed input is supplied by the programme facilitators and other guests, and the questioning insight by the participants themselves supported by skills developed during the programme.
What is a Learning Set?
In action learning terminology the participants are seen as “comrades in adversity” sharing similar roles and challenges. During the programme people are brought together in “learning sets”, which are small groups of peers who meet regularly throughout the programme to assist each other in their development.
Learning sets are formed during the first block of coursework in each programme. There is a process to ensure that individuals select their own set members who they feel will both challenge and support the other members. Sets meet during and between blocks of coursework, supporting each other in project work. A set may choose to work on the same project, as has occured in previous LAMP programmes.
Why is project work an important part of LAMP?
LAMP requires participants to demonstrate their learning as well as achieving a demonstrable return on investment. Projects can be from the individual’s work area or may be an organisation or system wide issue. They can be done individually or in small groups.
Do I need to develop a clear picture of my project before the LAMP programme begins?
No, in fact it is preferable that you do not. Time will be spent in the first block of coursework refining project criteria and working with shared models to achieve the projects. The projects involve real work that needs doing, and they are not a contrived training exercise. They should involve an element of change, of stretch and deliver measurable benefits to the health sector.
At the final each block of LAMP coursework there is a presentation of the programme experience and project results to a VIP Panel.
How do I access previous projects undertaken in the LAMP suite of programmes?
LAMP project summaries are listed on the website so participants can access previous experience as well as sharing the learning from their own project. To view project summaries visit the LAMP website and click on 'Project Summaries' on the left toolbar. To obtain further information or copies of previous projects, please contact the LAMP administrator.
How is LAMP designed?
The LAMP initiative has been commissioned by DHBs to develop the leadership capability of the New Zealand health sector. LAMP has been designed by Management Consortium based on experience with over a hundred action learning development Programmes in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Poland, Spain, Russia, the United Kingdom, Fiji and Burma.
Throughout each LAMP Programme the content and process will be a blend ofissues relating to governance, leadership, management and administration. The balance will be determined by the needs of the participants, and the sector as it evolves.
The overall design for LAMP uses input from Programme Staff and industry experts. The participants themselves are expected to contribute in areas in which they have expertise, or in areas in which they have development needs and will be required to undertake some research.
The LAMP philosophy is one of facilitating learning and development and not repackaging pre-prepared material or providing a succession of talking heads. The focus is on the long-term, sustainable results of development programme and activities, and not just the short-term “feel good” factor. LAMP is based on experience of what works consistently and integrates the best of new ideas rather than simply adopt short-lived fads and fashions.
The LAMP design is flexible and deals with the reality of management, and not just the abstract or theoretical. Common issues and those relating to new initiatives in the health sector are built into the Programmes.
What is coursework?
Coursework is the label for the time the whole programme group is together.
Each piece of coursework has a “mud map” that outlines the likely content and process for those days. The first is largely developed by the programme facilitator team in conjunction with the health sector and based on LAMP experience to date. Subsequent “mud maps” are developed jointly with participants to reflect their needs.
The typical day is from 0830 to 1800. There are usually no formal evening sessions although most participants use that time for reflection, networking, or project work. The intention is to provide a stretching, but not stressful experience with time for fresh air and exercise.
What topics can I expect to see covered in LAMP?
This menu reflects the range of session topics that have been covered in LAMP so far. More will be added as LAMP continues.
| Business planning | Lateral thinking |
| Strategic planning | Organisation development |
| Strategic thinking | Emotional intelligence |
| Creative thinking | “The Hero Within” |
| Decision-making | Questioning |
| Problem solving | Negotiating skills |
| Issues management | Presentation skills |
| Being strategic | Risk management |
| Understanding ourselves and others | Monitoring and evaluation |
| Organisation design | Managing technology |
| Culture | Report writing |
| HR practices and procedures | Managing up |
| Strategic financial management | Performance development and planning |
| Asset management | Feedback |
| Information management | Conflict management |
| Environmental scanning | Cultural issues in management |
| Stakeholder engagement and management | Cultural approaches to management |
| Ethics | System reform |
| Team building | Systems thinking |
| Outdoor learning | Succession planning |
| Learning styles | Coaching and mentoring |
| Motivation | Clinician/ manager interface |
| Clinical governance | Administration, management and leadership |
| Organisation diagnosis | Governance and management |
| Facilitation skills | Action learning |
| Group dynamics | LAMP philosophy |
| What makes people tick | Building rapport |
| Handling difficult people | Action planning |
| Meetings management | On being a CEO |
| Personal change | The New Leadership |
| Change management | Time management |
| Career and life planning | Diary management |
| International trends in management | Coaching and mentoring |
| International tends in health and human services | Monitoring and evaluation |
| Reflections on management | Primary Health reform |
| Influencing skills | Key policy issues |
| Service planning |
Is any pre work required?
There is no set reading or structured work required before the first piece of coursework in each programme.
Participants are encouraged to think about the challenges the organisation faces that may lead to possible projects. They should also identify people who may be part of the Cascade Group.
It can also be helpful to review documents such as strategic plans, annual plans, business plans and job descriptions. It is a good idea for participants to talk to their sponsor before the start of the programme.
During the programmes each group will explore authors and publications and will share views on the value of the various contributions.
What is a Cascade Group?
During LAMP each participant identifies five staff members from within their current organisation who form their
"cascade group". The participant imparts what they have been learning to those people which spreads the benefit of LAMP to the health sector and also requires participants to enhance their coaching skills.
Are the LAMP courses reviewed and evaluated?
The process of review and evaluation occurs throughout LAMP. Each piece of coursework includes an evaluation process at the end, as well as planning for the next piece of coursework.
The nature of action learning means that the results are measured in real changes – in participant’s behaviour and return on investment through the projects. The success of the programme is determined jointly by participants and the organisation.
The lessons learned from each programme are then incorporated into future LAMP programmes.
What is the LAMP Network?
There are over 250 people who are now part of the LAMP network. Participants should find out who else from their organisation or region is involved and make contact with them.
The website will keep a list of LAMP people, their organisations and their projects.
DHB Chief Executives have identified leadership development as a priority for the health sector. They see the LAMP suite of programmes as a key vehicle in developing the sector's leadership capability. |