The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV), in partnership with Focus Games Ltd, is delighted to announce the launch of the Leadership Game – a group learning tool that supports all health and social care professionals to explore, discuss and participate in collective leadership.

Effective compassionate leadership is vital at every level of health and social care. However, individuals and teams must be nurtured and supported to develop the competencies and behaviours required for effective clinical leadership. The Leadership Game is a unique group-learning tool that delivers this support.

Dr Cheryll Adams CBE, Executive Director of the Institute of Health Visiting commented:

“Learning by playing a game is a novel, but effective and fun, approach to education.  The Leadership Game will benefit all members of the teams who play it, helping them to acknowledge, appreciate and utilise their professional leadership contributions in their team and the wider health economy.”

The game is suitable for all health and social care staff, professionals and students that wish to learn about the practicalities of collective leadership. Its two key objectives are: to support and encourage discussion and learning around leadership roles; and to highlight the need to work together as a team and engage in active listening. The game encourages players to discuss and answer questions, allowing them to acquire new knowledge, share experiences and learn from each other. The underpinning theoretical knowledge that supports the game enables all health and social care practitioners to understand and participate in collective leadership.

The game is a ‘pop-up workshop’ that can be used anywhere, with between 2-12 players divided into 2 teams. Games usually last between 45-60 minutes and do not require a facilitator with an expert knowledge of leadership principles. The game can be used as an informal activity in the workplace, or as part of more structured training and workshops.

The game’s learning content is derived from the leadership model developed by former iHV Education Lead, Karen Stansfield as part of her Doctorate in Business Administration. It makes collective leadership accessible and meaningful for health professionals and students.