On the twelfth day of Christmas
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Twelve weeks* to make a difference,
Eleven reasons for lifetime learning,
Ten tools for coaching,
Nine playbook facts,
Eight testimonials,
Seven essential skills,
Six top tips for projects,
Five blueprints,
Four simple words,
Three bonus guides,
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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Work at your own pace or follow a recommended schedule.
Our Leadership Development Programme has flexibility built in.
Unabridged version (12 weeks)
Our recommendation for most leaders. Challenge yourself to complete the course in 12 weeks. Apply your new leadership skills to the next most critical issue.Stage 1: Onboarding (Week 0)
Stage 2: Foundations (Week 1)
Stage 3: Tutorial lessons (Weeks 2 to 8)
Stage 4: Business as usual (Weeks 9)
Stage 5: Project success (Weeks 10 to 12)
I prefer to get it done (12 days)
Follow the unabridged version—but at a faster pace. Implement actions and start your project as soon as possible. Complete the course without delay.
This may take some time (12 months)
Follow the unabridged version—but at a slower pace. Master each lesson before moving on. Perfect for leaders taking people with them on a journey. Complete your project within 12 months.
No two leaders are the same. Everyone learns differently. With Twelve Scholars, you can add extra coaching and support at any time. Particularly useful if you have multiple leaders going through the programme at the same time. Or you’re looking for accountability or extra guidance.
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THE ESSENTIAL SCHOLAR is our pioneering new Leadership Development Programme. Designed from the ground up—transform into a highly effective leader. Delivered in digital, print and natural wood. Learn more.
* weeks/days/months
On the eleventh day of Christmas
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven reasons for lifetime learning,
Ten tools for coaching,
Nine playbook facts,
Eight testimonials,
Seven essential skills,
Six pro tips for projects,
Five blueprints,
Four simple words,
Three bonus guides,
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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Work In Progress
A late night compiling The Essential Scholar promo video.
Needs work. Especially sound. And storytelling. But good enough for today.
Compass Promo V2.0
Here’s the latest video promo for the Essential Scholar… featuring the Leadership Compass.
On the tenth day of Christmas
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Ten tools for coaching,
Nine playbook facts,
Eight testimonials,
Seven essential skills,
Six tips for projects,
Five blueprints,
Four simple words,
Three bonus guides,
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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The 12 Days of Christmas… The Story So Far
Three more days to go.
For the past nine days, we’ve been celebrating the launch of The Essential Scholar—by focusing on one unique aspect of the course.
You’ll receive a unique “Leadership Compass”.
You’ll receive two coaching calls.
You’ll receive three bonus guides to starting a new leadership role.
You’ll receive four special words that will help you make a step change difference.
You’l receive five blueprints for better business as usual.
You’ll receive six pro tips for projects (and a lot more besides!)
You’ll receive the seven essential skills of modern leadership.
You won’t be alone. We included eight testimonials that praise the course structure, content and delivery style.
You’ll receive an exclusive printed edition of our Leadership Playbook (and we included nine interesting facts).
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And if you join The Essential Scholar before 5th January 2024, you’ll receive an extra 60 minutes of coaching, worth £450.
On the ninth day of Christmas
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Nine playbook facts,
Eight testimonials,
Seven essential skills,
Six pro tips for projects,
Five blueprints,
Four simple words,
Three bonus guides,
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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When you join The Essential Scholar Leadership Development Programme, you’ll gain access to our learning platform—and—you’ll receive a special edition Leadership Playbook.
Whilst the learning platform is organised seamlessly with video tutorials and online content. The playbook is different. Very different.
Product dimensions: 240mm x 170mm x 14mm. (Inspired by Brand B)
The playbook has been specifically designed with 176 pages. There are seven chapters, each with precisely 20 pages (except Chapter 1 which has two extra pages).
Paper is sourced from FSC approved forests, and manufactured by UPM Nordland in Lower Saxony, Germany.
Printed by Galloways in Poynton, Cheshire using environmentally friendly CMYK inks (cyan, magenta, blank and yellow).
The cover is printed three times. Lithographic print x 1 pass. A scratch resistant coating x 1 pass. And a Spot UV coating to highlight special design elements.
When delivered, the combined weight of the playbook and custom packaging is 490 grams. This is deliberate. And 10 grams under the 500 gram limit used in setting postage prices.
54 different books are referenced.
37 scholar bees appear in the playbook.
And just in case, there’s a comprehensive index on pages 174-175. We call this section, FOMO.
We’re convinced that print encourages you to put down your device, switch off for a moment, and focus on the important things. (Like counting bees!)
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THE ESSENTIAL SCHOLAR is our pioneering new Leadership Development Programme. Designed from the ground up—transform into a highly effective leader. Delivered in digital, print and natural wood. Learn more.
On the eighth day of Christmas
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eight testimonials,
Seven essential skills,
Six pro tips for projects,
Five blueprints,
Four simple words,
Three bonus guides,
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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Don’t just take our word for it.
Here’s a selection of feedback from previous scholars.
“Of all the leadership training I’ve had, Twelve Scholars has stuck the most. It works.” — Marc Belbin
“I love the way The Essential Scholar is written, I will go to sleep tonight with the words ‘Ambiguity is the enemy’ etched into my brain.” Sarah Wilkins-Dixon
“The layout of the course is great. Clear, uncluttered, structured and on brand.” — Marie Hodgson
“Twelve Scholars has just landed. Looking great. Well done. It’s certainly come on another level.” — Rob Hopkins
“Really like the ‘Thickness of the Thick Red Line’ concept. Made it very clear for me about the importance of setting expectations.” — Helen Jones
“Many thanks for my copy of the Playbook. Rest assured it will live on my desk and play a pivotal part in my daily life.” Rich Wooster
“I’m in love! Completely different to what I expected. I love the content and the fact that you’re offering practical tips.” Grace Grieve
“Thank you for the Playbook. It’s beautiful in every way. I noticed the small grey print in the lower margin right away. What a fun way to connect with your reader!” Tania Marien.
We’ve delivered courses and consultancy services across many sectors.
Our focus is always to create a culture committed to Excellence.
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THE ESSENTIAL SCHOLAR is our pioneering new Leadership Development Programme. Designed from the ground up—transform into a highly effective leader. Delivered in digital, print and natural wood. Learn more.
On the seventh day of Christmas
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Seven essential skills,
Six pro tips for projects,
Five blueprints,
Four simple words,
Three bonus guides,
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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Based on first-hand experience and extensive research, we’ve distilled the essence of modern leadership into seven essential skills.
How to make a dent
How to deal with poor performance
How to combat perfection paralysis
How to reset expectations
How to measure performance
How to avoid setbacks
How to lead with Excellence.
Each of these skills can be explained using the EGSP® Framework.
A simple methodology used to help solve your move critical issues.
The Essential Scholar covers each of these essential skills in depth.
And also provides 12 ways to help you achieve that skill.
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THE ESSENTIAL SCHOLAR is our pioneering new Leadership Development Programme. Designed from the ground up—transform into a highly effective leader. Delivered in digital, print and natural wood. Learn more.
On the sixth day of Christmas
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Six pro tips for projects,
Five blueprints,
Four simple words,
Three bonus guides,
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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Project management can be a minefield—if you allow it.
Here’s just six pro tips that we cover on The Essential Scholar Leadership Development Programme.
Keep it simple. Every project has a beginning, a middle and an end.
Master the art of one-page project management. If you can’t explain it clearly, then you don’t fully understand it.
Scope creep is bad. Scope creep is good. Ensure you know the difference.
Binary 'definitions of done' are best avoided. Instead, use four simple words: Excellent, Good, Satisfactory and Poor.
Create a RADIO log. And keep it live—at all times. In fact, call it 'RADIO 5 Live'. (Risks, Assumptions, Dependencies, Issues AND Opportunities).
Document success. Document failure. This will help others—and accelerate your own development.
The Essential Scholar has been designed to help you move up a gear. Put things into practice. Focus the mind. Gain support and encouragement. Often, the best way to learn is by doing. And so we’re here to help you deliver a mini-project—one that’s meaningful to you, your team or your organisation.
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THE ESSENTIAL SCHOLAR is our pioneering new Leadership Development Programme. Designed from the ground up—transform into a highly effective leader. Delivered in digital, print and natural wood. Learn more.
On the fifth day of Christmas
Blueprints for business as usual.
(It’s a novel idea.)
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Five blueprints,
Four simple words,
Three bonus guides,
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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Blueprints for business as usual.
(It’s a novel idea.)
Imagine being given a set of blueprints to run your business.
(Think McDonalds, Subway, Costa Coffee)
How much more successful do you think you would be?
1%
10%
100%
So why don’t we give business as usual more attention?
(Hint—something to do with firefighting and shiny projects)
And that’s the problem.
Too much firefighting prevents you from fixing the basics. It’s a vicious cycle.
And shiny projects are often a result of poor performance in business as usual.
Hmmm.
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THE ESSENTIAL SCHOLAR is our pioneering new Leadership Development Programme. Designed from the ground up—transform into a highly effective leader. Delivered in digital, print and natural wood. Learn more.
ps you’ll also receive five blueprints to better manage your business as usual activity.
Promo Video Featuring Leadership Compass
Here’s a short demo video featuring the Leadership Compass.
I was getting creative tonight with the camera. And a spare black curtain.
Need to add a storyline (currently no sound—or voice over). And reshoot a few more angles.
Then stitch back together. And upload before the New Year.
On the fourth day of Christmas
From an early age, we’re all taught four simple words: Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, and Poor. They don’t require a detailed explanation. Everyone understands them. Even a four year old gets it.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four simple words,
Three bonus guides,
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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From an early age, we’re all taught four simple words: Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, and Poor. They don’t require a detailed explanation. Everyone understands them. Even a four year old gets it.
We’re over the moon when we achieve excellent.
We’re happy when we receive good.
We know satisfactory is usually followed by “could do better”.
And feel gutted when we fail and fall short, presented with poor.
(Or is that just me?)
Written as Excellent, Good, Satisfactory and Poor, these four simple words will help you achieve Excellence. They’ll help you make a difference and become a better leader.
These four simple words will act as your guide, when leading change and navigating difficult times. They can be used to raise performance and get things done; reset expectations and measure success; avoid setbacks and build resilience.
Why four words?
Because there’s no room to sit on the fence. Two words is too simplistic and not very helpful—it’s either good or bad. Three words will create a middle bucket—again, not very helpful. Five words or more will confuse.
The best way to make a dent is to use these four simple words and change something for the better. Everyday language will amplify the message.
Excellence really is a simple concept.
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THE ESSENTIAL SCHOLAR is our pioneering new Leadership Development Programme. Designed from the ground up—transform into a highly effective leader. Delivered in digital, print and natural wood.
On the third day of Christmas
On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Three bonus guides,
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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The New Year is a popular time for starting a new position. And whether it’s you or a member of your team, it’s important that you have a plan.
Your first 12 days as a leader
Congratulations! You made it. You’ve just started that new job. As a new leader, the first 12 days are crucial to your success.
Your first 12 weeks as a leader
Your honeymoon period. Everyone is watching. As a new leader, your first 12 weeks are an opportunity to gain confidence and build a trusted team.
Your first 12 months as leader
Never underestimate what you can achieve in a year. As a leader, your first 12 months are critical to the legacy you leave behind.
When you join Twelve Scholars, you’ll receive 3 bonus guides. Each comprises the 12 most relevant leadership lessons that will help you.
Remember, if you fail to plan—plan to fail.
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THE ESSENTIAL SCHOLAR is our pioneering new Leadership Development Programme. Designed from the ground up—transform into a highly effective leader. Delivered in digital, print and natural wood.
On the second day of Christmas
On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two coaching calls,
And a scholar bee from a maple tree.
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Leadership can be a lonely journey. It can be overwhelming at times.
No one to talk to. And hear your personal challenges.
Instead, imagine a leadership course where you receive two coaching calls:
30-minute onboarding call
Within the first 12 days (or most convenient to you). An opportunity to ask questions, get to know your coach. Familiarise yourself with the content and course structure.
60-minute coaching call
Within the first 12 weeks. Designed to accelerate your learning. Discuss your most pressing issues. And signpost the most relevant lessons.
At Twelve Scholars, we’re committed to helping leaders make a difference.
And as crazy as it sounds, there’s only 12 places available.
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THE ESSENTIAL SCHOLAR is our pioneering new Leadership Development Programme. Designed from the ground up—transform into a highly effective leader. Learn more.
On the first day of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
One scholar bee from a maple tree.
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Imagine this little scholar bee as your future self.
He/she/they are the leader you want to be—deserve to be.
Someone who can make a dent.
Someone who can deal with poor performance.
Someone who can combat perfection paralysis.
Someone who can reset expectations.
Someone who can measure performance.
Someone who can avoid setbacks.
Someone who can lead with Excellence.
This little scholar bee is your opportunity to make a difference.
And with a little guidance and support, you too can become a highly effective leader.
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THE ESSENTIAL SCHOLAR is a pioneering new Leadership Development Programme presented by Twelve Scholars. Designed from the ground up—transform into a highly effective leader. Learn more.
The Show Must Go On
When was the first time you appeared on stage as a leader?
I was reminded this week by an old school friend of appearing on stage with him. Auditions were held just before Christmas. With the cast to be revealed after the New Year. We had zero expectations. Yet to our surprise, we had just landed the two lead roles!
THE SUNDAY SCHOLAR is our weekly newsletter—reimagined as a podcast. It takes a lighter look at leadership. Full of ideas, insights and inspiration. Something to be expected. Something to look forward to.
Mailing List Mishaps
Just scored an own goal—ouch!
It turns out that a number of the newsletter sign up boxes on website did not automatically connect to The Sunday Scholar mailing list. No sure how long that has happening. It certainly pays to pay attention to subscriber list growth—or lack of!
Gutted. But fixed now.
If you’ve previously subscribed, and not received any information from Twelve Scholars, then massive apologies. Any saving grace is that the weekly newsletter has been on a six month sabatical.
As always, your feedback is a gift. And so if there’s anything you’d like to see more of—or less of in our newsletter, then please shout up.
Onwards.
New Website Design
We have been working in the background to update and simplify our website.
The main feedback was our Leadership Development Programme (aka The Essential Scholar) could not be accessed from the homepage. It was too many clicks away. And the product offering needed more clarity.
Well, we’ve sorted that. It’s now front and centre. (And I’m currently updating the short explainer videos that will sit on the homepage).
We’ve also updated the tabs, to make it more self-explanatory. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. It turns out that a webpage called ‘STUDY’ is less appealing than ‘LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT’.
What do you think?
As always, your feedback is a gift. xx
Packaging Insights
I’ve be waiting to do this video for 6 months—and finally done it!
Congratulations to the team at Belmont Packaging for their support.
Love the simplified Scholar Bee—even without those antlers.
(Yes, I did say antlers! It must be time for Christmas.)