Common PurposeMeridian Hong Kong

2012 Highlights

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Meridian 2012

17 May to 15 November

Highlights Introduction The purpose of Meridian is to improve participants’ ability to lead in any situation. It doesn’t take place in a classroom – it takes place in the real world about real-life challenges. The course is anchored by three core, compulsory, days at the start, mid-point and end where participants look at when, where and how they lead. Between the core days, participants select from a series of modules including:

Understanding place – visits to gain insights about how the local area really works.

Understanding change – case studies of real-life leadership challenges, meeting and quizzing the leaders who make the decisions there.

Leadership insights – conversations with key leaders to share first-hand experience, from their successes and failures, of leading beyond their immediate area of authority to create change.

Learning groups - peer consultation sessions to discuss and tackle individual leadership challenges.

Practices - a series of leadership ‘practices’ or small challenges to complete in participants’ own time to broaden thinking.

Marketplace – visits and online forum where participants ask for and offer advice, and share opportunities to gain exposure to one another’s worlds.

Quests - a day immersed in the economic, political and social context of another city such as London, Budapest, Lille, Essen, Bangalore, Istanbul or Johannesburg.

Leadership themes Leadership themes that underpin the course:

Passion and Resonance – the challenges in communicating the leader’s passion and getting buy-in.

Playing Different Roles – accomplishing goals when leadership becomes political.

Sources of Power – changing the way to motivate others according to the situation at hand.

Consensus vs. Coalition – when and how to form strategic alliances rather than working for full consensus.

Who Do You Need To Be – personal brand, self-belief, humility and leadership.

Courage and Caution – the courage to listen and challenge; being sensible about where courage is useful and where it is not.

Pace and Timing - knowing when you can push and when you need to slow down; being constantly ready and alert to take advantage of opportunities.

Adapting to a New Environment – coming to terms with new rules, start relating to new situations, not imposing pre-made solutions which might not be the right answer.

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May 17, 2012 Core Day 1 – Plotting the Course Creates bonds between participants, lays ground work and sets the challenge for the course.

Mr Ronald ARCULLI ‘The Common Purpose Vision’ - We see an active civil society where people come together and act for the greater good of organizations and the society.

Dr LEONG Che-hung Beyond Authority – Leadership in a Changing World – To-day’s

leaders can no longer rely on formal authority alone.

“Mr Arculli inspired me to reflect on my own life and ask myself how I might make better use of my time to do something for the society. Dr Leong gave us a very practical list and useful guideline to review our own leadership with.”

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Dr CHEUNG Chor-yung, Dr LO Chi-kin and Mr Paul TANG

Setting the challenge for the course – ‘Distracted minds: Hong Kong’s can do spirit’; ‘Revolt of the post-80s youths’ and ‘Opportunities and threats in the Hong Kong economy’

“The afternoon café-like arrangement was great. It allowed inspiring interaction and stimulated thinking. We had great discussions in the small group Q&A format and they broadened my perspectives.”

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May 29, 2012 Understanding Change - Passion and Resonance The Challenge of Cultural Change – Improving Customer Focus at The Link

“Very impressive arrangement for us to meet staff from different levels. It is good to see the concentrated effort at The Link working for a better future. It was a good example of how to communicate passion down the ranks and pull everyone together.”

Mr Nick Sallnow-Smith Chairman, The Link Management

Ltd

Mr Tony Lam Director (Human Resources)

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June 07, 2012 Leadership Insight – Who do you need to be?

“This session inspired me very much about styles of leadership. What I have learned from the contributors about their self-belief, core values and attitude towards people gave me useful knowledge about how to lead in the workplace and convinced me of the importance of knowing who I need to be.”

Professor Cheung Bing-leung Former President of the Hong Kong Institute

of Education

Mr Stephen Leung Country Manager, Pfizer Hong Kong

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June 14, 2012 Understanding Place – Meet the People A city is only as strong as its weakest link.

“This session helped us rethink how we should take care of and help the underprivileged to live with dignity.”

Mr Cheng Sai-on SKH Community Center, To Kwa Wan

Professor Paul Yip Founding Director of the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Centre for Suicide Prevention And Research, The University of Hong Kong

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June 14, 2012 Understanding Place – Master the Money Economic freedom V.S. government intervention

“The session helped me reflect on how to be more flexible and leave space for free thinking and creativity. Intervention itself is neutral but application is the key to putting it to good use.”

Mr David O’ Rear Chief Economist, Hong Kong General

Chamber of Commerce

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June 14, 2012 Understanding Place – Master the Money Development of the creative industries is best left to market forces if we expect them to

diversify the economy, create wealth, and provide employment opportunities for the general community and upward mobility for the next generation.

“The session enlightened me to use more right brain thinking to evaluate creative ideas and not to judge them with the rational left brain.”

Ms Cindy Kuan Marketing Manager, Hong Kong

Design Centre

Mr Vincent Yeung General Secretary, Hong Kong

Games Industry Association

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June 28, 2012 Leadership Insight – Courage and Caution The HKMA’s stock market intervention in 1998

“Mr Chan has without doubt inspired us to exercise courage and make judgment calls when the situation warrants it. Much more than that he convinced us that if we make decisions wisely, albeit without all the information we like to have, but with the best interest of the community in mind, we have little to fear.”

Mr Norman Chan Chief Executive, Hong Kong

Monetary Authority

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July 12, 2012 Understanding Change – Consensus vs. Coalition Turning CLP’s Climate Vision 2050 into Reality

“The contributors have helped us understand how to make change happen: how making public one’s commitment can energize and galvanize people into action; how one should remain steadfast in pursuing one’s direction but allow some flexibility with speed and methods; and much, much more. Mr Greenwood’s direct approach left a great impression on us and was particularly inspiring to those of us who are trying to be more assertive and learning to say ‘no’. His relationship with Greenpeace and the Climate Group was eye-opening: that people can work together in a reasonable manner despite their differences.”

Mr Peter Greenwood Group Executive Director – Strategy, CLP Holdings Ltd.

Ms Gloria Chang

Campaigns Manager,

Greenpeace, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Office

Mr Kalmond Ma Deputy Director, Strategic

Partnership, Greater China, The Climate Group.

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July 26, 2012 Leadership Insight – Who Do You Need to Be?

Managing a firm of partners

“Mr Li was very open and candid in sharing with us how he applied/learnt different leadership approaches from his seniors and how each one led to different experiences and outcomes. He gave us a good example of how to learn from observing other people’s behaviour. His concept of 'Stewardship', i.e. equipping colleagues for the long term benefit of the organization and leaving the organization in a better shape than when one took over, is very useful and helped me see leadership in a new light. I gathered from the session useful ideas about how I might change my leadership approach. Mr Li’s openness, honesty and authenticity are good examples for us to follow.”

Mr Paul Li Country Head, Simmons &

Simmons.

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August 09, 2012 Core Day 2 Broadening your vision Reviews the breadth and depth of participants’ leadership - and their limitations.

“The contributors gave us useful opportunities to solve a challenge outside our expertise. I

found this very helpful. It gave me the confidence and courage to speak in front of experts when

dealing with issues outside my expertise in future. The experience has also broadened my vision

and helped me see issues from new perspectives. More importantly, I realized that despite the

differences in the nature of the challenges, there is a commonality in the approaches to solving

them. In future, I would borrow solutions of challenges outside my work and apply them to my

area.”

Mr LAU Ming-wai Deputy Secretary-General, Henry

Tang for CE Campaign. “Running for election as the Chief Executive of HKSARG”

Philip Niem Head of Discretionary Portfolio

Management, Barclays Bank (Asia) “How to start a new business line”

Ms Angela Mackay Managing Director, Asia Pacific,

The Financial Times HK Ltd. “Re-Branding Hong Kong”

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August 09, 2012 Core Day 2 Broadening your vision Reviews the breadth and depth of participants’ leadership - and their limitations.

“The message for me from this session is to try to learn to unlearn, be open to ideas from

different perspectives, and to reflect on how well I am doing on this score. Mr Cheung has

indeed helped me realize that leaders have to follow their passion, understand people’s

aspiration, understand how to make things happen, and above all have the courage to stand up

for what is right against criticism. In these few words, Mr Cheung captured what Hong Kong

needs to get itself back on the right track. ”

Mr Barry CHEUNG Chun-yuen Chairman, Urban Renewal Authority

Who do you need to be - “Leading Urban Renewal to New Horizons”

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August 16, 2012 Understanding Change – Sources of Power To increase awareness of where individual power originates.

Lo Wu

Correctional Institution

“An eye opening experience of a real ‘people-centric’ business. LWCI’s system of discipline, vocational training, industrial production, interest groups and psychological support is indeed comprehensive, progressive and professional. But above all, we were touched by the officers’ dedication, sensitivity and caring attention to the inmates. The visit very effectively demonstrated to us that one of the best ways to motivate people is to be an understanding, knowledgeable and caring coach. This re-awakening will help me be a better leader in my own workplace.”

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Sept 6, 2012 Understanding Change – Playing different roles Promoting equal opportunities for ethnic minorities

“Good choice of speakers. They demonstrated good leadership qualities. Mr Lam convinced us

how to make change happen by respecting the opposition, confronting it head-on, being

proactive and befriend the enemy and harness its energy, see it as useful hints of what needs to

be done, and use it as a change agent. Ms Wong’s sacrifice and enterprise in pioneering

advocacy for the ethnic minorities are truly touching. Mr Lo and Ms Chan’s passion and

dedication for the ethnic minorities are truly impressive. We have learned a lot about the

problems facing their clients and their agencies as well as how to make change happen through

advocacy and service.

Ms Fermi Wong Director, Hong Kong

Unison

Mr Lo Kai-chung Unit-in-Charge, HK SKH Lady

Maclehose Centre – Integrated Community Service Centre

Ms Karrie Chan Principal Coordinator,

Ethnic Minority Services, Hong Kong Christian Service

Mr Lam Woon-kwong

Chairperson, Equal Opportunities Commission

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Sept 13, 2012 Leadership Insight – Courage and Caution Producing award-winning films and making a mark on the international scene

“One of the most valuable sessions attended so far. The speaker Ms Shi was very charming and willing to share. Her story telling skills were excellent. Ms Shi showed us that courage and caution comes from commitment to do a great job, not being worried about failure, keep trying, staying optimistic, and using incremental changes to build towards one’s goal. Furthermore, the feedback from classmates was also very insightful.”

Nansun Shi Co-founder and Executive Director, Film

Workshop Ltd

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Sept 20, 2012 Understanding Place – Map the Power Who has power in Hong Kong?

“The session helped me realize that no-one has dominant power; that we, as a member of the

community, have some power; that we must speak up for the good of the society and find

common ground with people of different opinions. To make change happen I realized that we

must make a persuasive case, focus on the greater good, be prepared to engage a lot of

stakeholders at the outset and keep engaged with them.”

The Hon. Ms Anna Wu Hung-yuk

Non-Official Member of

Executive Council, HKSARG

The Hon. Ms Starry Lee Wai-king

Vice-Chairperson, Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of

Hong Kong

Mr Christopher LAU Kar-hung

Chairman, People Power

Professor Joseph CHENG Yu-shek

Flinders Chair Professor of Political Science, Chair

Professor, City University of Hong Kong

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Oct 04, 2012 Leadership Insight – Who do you need to be? Seizing opportunities from crisis

“It was a very inspiring session with Mr Hung, a great leader with humility, vision and mission. His positive attitude during crises showed me to have strength in face of difficulties. I am glad to know I am not alone in looking for social meaning in my job but shall continue to look for a social reason for the project I am doing rather than just doing it for the pay check. I shall look beyond profits and review my work according to the core values of my company. I must also consider how to cascade this mind set to my colleagues.”

Benjamin Hung Executive Director and CEO, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

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Oct 05, 2012 Leadership Insight – Courage and Caution

Challenges in doing the right thing in the right way when preventing crime, maintaining public order, dealing with the media and violent protesters

“I was able to see another side of Mr Tsang. He impressed me as someone who is both strong and warm. He is of strong character and full of courage. He has impressed on me the importance to have a sense of "value" and "purpose". Indeed, he helped me identify my direction and showed me how one could be strong when faced with fear. He is a good example of a leader who upholds values and professionalism and is ready to make unpopular decisions. He also gave us practical ideas on how to leverage on the organization’s vision, mission and values to guide actions and handle dilemmas.”

Mr TSANG Wai-hung Commissioner of Police, HKSARG

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Oct 08, 2012 Understanding Change – Passion and Resonance

“The contributors were clearly passionate about making Ocean Park successful as a world class theme park. They showed us how they made their passion resonate with stakeholders by inspiring colleagues with the organization’s uniqueness, watching the customers, doing the right thing with the staff, working with stakeholders, practising what you preach, turning adversity into opportunity, not being afraid of failure, adopting a can-do spirit and making everything simple.”

Dr Allan Zeman Chairman, Ocean Park.

“Making change happen at the Ocean Park”

Mr Matthias Li Deputy CEO, Ocean Park.

“Managing change and growth at the Ocean Park”

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Oct 18, 2012 Leadership Insight – Pace and Timing

How to pace oneself because change can take time while making sure one is ready to go when the opportunity arises.

“Mr Rice impressed on us the importance to be ready to shift gear from short term operation to long term strategy and make time to plan ahead. He is a very good example of an excellent leader. He gave us detailed, convincing and useful examples of how to be a good manager such as value people who are different from oneself; ask people, ‘What can I do to help you make it happen?’; find common ground with others; influence enemies; respect others; be humble and show them that you wish to learn from them and win them over and adhere to the organization’s code of ethics.”

Mr John Rice Vice Chairman, General Electric

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Oct 19, 2012 Leadership Insight – Pace and Timing “Doing business in China”

“Mr Chan gave us an excellent illustration of the theme ‘pace and timing’ with FedEx Express’s business development history in mainland China since 1984. From him I gained useful insight into leadership such as staying ahead of the game; building relationships with government officials by finding common ground and helping them do their job better for the greater good; sharing best practice with other people; nurturing friendship with stakeholders; being pro-active in influencing others and keep on doing so continuously.”

Mr Eddy Chan Head of China, Senior Vice President,

FedEx Express

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Oct 19, 2012 Leadership Insight – Adapting to a new environment Leading a policy bureau without a civil service career history

“From Mr So, I learned that to lead and win credibility in a new environment I should stay guided by my vision and calling; be consistent with it and stay calm when faced with challenges; that I should learn from mistakes; inspire the team with my vision but be sensitive to the existing culture and respect where others come from; appreciate them; trust them; use their strengths and catch them doing the right thing, not when they make mistakes.”

Mr Gregory SO Kam-leung, GBS, JP Secretary for Commerce and Economic

Development, HKSARG

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Nov 1, 2012 Understanding Place – Master the Money The science and technology industry – opportunities and challenges

“Mr Brooke’s passion and strategy for the development of science and technology in Hong Kong

are most convincing. We are now enthusiastic ambassadors of the Science Park which, as one

of us put it, ‘is a good place to make things happen. Mr Chan is an excellent example of

challenging the impossible; having a big dream and making it come true with perseverance,

courage to take risks and ride on uncertainties, and of course intelligence and very high level

problem solving skills. Mr Law, on the other hand, made us ask how might education policies be

changed or enhanced to nurture pioneers like him? “

Mr Abraham Chan Founder and Chairman,

PuraPharm International (H.K.) Ltd

Mr Ken Law Founder and CEO,

MotherApp Hong Kong

Mr Nicholas Brooke Chairman, Hong Kong Science

and Technology Parks Corporation

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Nov 08, 2012 Leadership Insight – Adapting to a new environment How Mr Tse adapted his business strategies in ever changing circumstances.

“The speaker was a very inspiring entrepreneur. Listening to his experiences, mindset and style of management was invaluable to us all. It was also a great chance to see someone with a Hong Kong "can do" spirit up close. He showed us how to win credibility in a new environment by gathering a lot of information, delivering results, leveraging on other’s abilities, practising give and take, and being persistent. He has also showed us how to make change happen with one’s personality and the can-do spirit; by being genuine, consistent and flexible and by thinking out of the box.”

Mr Donald Tse Chairman, Hung Fook Tong Holdings Ltd

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Nov 15, 2012 Core Day 3 – Preparing To Lead Change An opportunity to look both backwards and forwards. It’s about reflecting on the Course itself: Who have you met? What have you learned? What’s next?

“All the discussions were worthy and will be cherished and put into practice. It was a good choice to have Dr Chow as the last speaker of the course as he managed to wrap up all of the leadership qualities we learned on the course. THANK YOU!”

Dr York Chow GBS, SBS, MBE, JP

Orthopaedic Surgeon and Former Secretary for Food and Health

“Eyes on the hills, feet on the ground”

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Learning Groups

“Very useful indeed as the participants have given me very insightful ideas to help me rise to the challenges I am facing.” “A good perspective of others' operations and problems.” “I find the format of the Learning Group effective. Having the listeners throw open questions at me, the challenge holder, broadened my thinking on the subject and helped me explore and consider multiple dimensions. For me to sit out from the discussion while the listeners comment on my challenge really gave me a break for reflection. It enabled me to think deeply on the advice and suggestions they made. I did take away some good suggestions for further exploration and application.” “The Learning Group Guide was very good and her comments and advice to all the participants were excellent and inspiring. Thanks!” “Good sharing! Good experience! Good group mates! Good support!”

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Practices - a series of leadership ‘practices’ or small challenges to complete in participants’ own time to broaden thinking.

Post a response

Be Courageous

Are you avoiding something? Notice what is stopping you taking the step to have a difficult conversation, either to give feedback, get feedback or resolve a difficult issue. How did you feel before the conversation? How do you feel now you’ve completed the conversation? What have you noticed about yourself? Courage in new territory will often mean making a fool of yourself and making mistakes. For many this can be a deterrent and prevent people from trying, and overcoming the fear and discomfort is not easy. By stepping into uncomfortable situations a little, and often, leaders can become more comfortable with exercising their courage. How well have you exercised your courage? Log your comments in the Practices area of the website here. “What is clear is that people with management responsibility at every level avoid difficult situations and decisions. They are more likely to be afraid of failure than excited by challenge. UK plc appears to be starved of courage.” taken from Trusting Times report - the skills and attitudes most needed by leaders in the future (independent research conducted by Common Purpose).

Post a response

On many occasions, I would avoid stepping forward and be the first one to comment. So I would consider being the first one to respond to this practice as a courageous move.

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The recent protest again the introduction of "Moral and National Education" in a formal curriculum has been debated all over Hong Kong. I agree that learning more about China is good for the next generation. However, I do have reservation about the content and the way it is being executed. Many friends are against the government’s initiative and invited me to join the Facebook protest groups. Although I do not support the protests but I have reservation about telling them my standpoints. I just kept silent until I read this article from Headline News <new.hkheadline.comsection_name=wtt&kw=26> It said that courage is needed to say something against the majority. So I took courage and shared the article on my Facebook page and prepared myself for criticisms.

Marketplace

Visits and online forum where participants ask for and offer advice, and share opportunities to gain exposure to one another’s worlds.

Example – A visit to the Towngas Avenue and Towngas Production Plant to discuss the TGA concept, doing business in China, and production of clean and safe gas. Learning Groups will continue to meet during Marketplace events to support continuous learning and build a platform for joint actions.

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Quests

A day immersed in the economic, political and social context of another city such as London, Budapest, Lille, Essen, Bangalore, Istanbul or Johannesburg.

Visit another Meridian course! As part of the Meridian course participants can take part in course modules in other locations anywhere else around the world in which Common Purpose operates. Participants will gain credit hours by doing so that will count towards their graduation.

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