Meridian

What is Meridian?

A leadership course for established leaders from all sectors and backgrounds based in metropolitan areas. Meridian is currently offered across the UK and in six other countries. Participants often choose to do some of their modules in other locations and countries.

Spanning a five month period, Meridian offers a flexible modular format that means leaders can tailor it to meet their individual needs and to match their diaries.

The full group - drawn from all walks of life in the area - attends three full days together at the start, midpoint and end of the course. In between, each leader chooses from over 50 events to explore a huge range of real-life challenges - based in anything from a prison to a casualty unit; a trading floor to a production plant; a rehab centre to a radio station - in small groups, learning constantly from each other, the contributors and the experience of operating in very unfamiliar situations.

The result is that participants develop an understanding of how their area really works, the impact of their decisions and become more effective leaders at work and in wider society.

Participants can expect to:

• become more accustomed to going outside their familiar environment and better able to adapt to new situations.
• develop lasting working relationships with people they would almost certainly never have met otherwise.
• learn how to lead in situations where they have no authority and how to become the kinds of people who can build and lead collaborations when required.
• become responsible leaders who understand their local surroundings - in the national and international context - and the impact of their decisions.
• discover how their own language, behaviour and biases can get in their way as leaders.
• find out when and how they can make their own contribution in society.

What is the course format?

Meridian participants complete between 60 - 90 hours of learning. For each activity, participants meet at a different venue within the area to give them a range of perspectives.On the three core days - at the start, mid-point and end - participants look at why, where and how they lead and at how their biases influence their leadership. Between the core days, participants select from a series of modules.

Participants can choose to do some of their hours on a Meridian course elsewhere in the UK or internationally. They can also choose to do some hours on a day of InsideOUT in an area they might commute to or from.

Where are Meridian courses held?

Meridian courses are offered in larger metropolitan areas across the UK and in Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland and South Africa.

What is the cost to attend Meridian?

The course fee is £4,500 + VAT.

How can I apply to attend Meridian?

Complete the online application form at right and choose the date and location you want.

You can also download the Course Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form and send both by post or fax to your local Common Purpose office.

For more about the overall application process, please visit the application page.

"I am much more aware of the need for good listening skills - something which I thought I already had but which I found I could improve. I am also giving much more thought to the value that I place on certain outcomes and behaviours - thinking ahead about what is valued, rather than taking a task orientated approach. I am also considering differently what is the most effective way to contribute to others' understanding of my work and the change I am trying to bring about."

Anna Donald, Head of Marine Planning Branch, Scottish Government

"Common Purpose provided me with a better understanding of the experiences of people working in other employment sectors. It was helpful to learn, first hand the issues that they faced and how their organizations dealt effectively with them. Equally, I considered I benefited from the wide range of institutions we visited and found it extremely interesting and helpful to learn more about the social, economic, educational and environmental challenges the City faces.

Overall, the experience of Common Purpose made me feel more connected to colleagues working in other employment sectors and I feel this can only benefit the way my organization will contribute positively to the City in the future."

Steve Map, CEO, Broadway Media Centre, Nottingham