The Essential Scholar

FAQs

1, I’m not a leader, is it for me?

We believe everyone is a leader—if they choose. Leadership is about stepping up and wanting to make a difference. You’ll soon discover that leadership is required at every level—at work and at home.

2, When will I get access to the course?

You’ll get immediate access to the learning platform. And you can start the course immediately. The Leadership Playbook and Leadership Compass will take a few days—they will be sent via recorded post.

3, How long do I have access to the course?

You’ll have 12 months anytime access to the learning platform. This allows plenty of time to digest the content. Of course, the Leadership Playbook and Leadership Compass are yours for life!

4, When will I meet the coach?

Our aim is to schedule a 20-30 minute call with Bob Buckley within the first two weeks. From experience, this is an essential step to the onboarding process. We get to better understand your needs, and you get an enhanced level of support.

5, Is the course accredited?

Yes. Dust down the mantle. Make space on your desk. Successful scholars will be awarded a rather special certificate. Accredited and awarded by Twelve Scholars, add ‘certified scholar’ to your resume. A clear signal that you’ve developed the necessary skills to make Excellence the mission.

Note 1—We do not seek ILM accreditation or wish to become a CIPD approved course provider. However, for CPD purposes, the course is equivalent to 60 hours of study (roughly 4 hours per week).

Note 2—Our vision is for The Essential Scholar to become a widely-recognised qualification.

6a, What’s the assessment criteria?

Demonstrate an ability to make step change improvement—to you, your team or your organisation. Evidence learning across each of the 7 chapters, in both business as usual (Stage 4) or your personal project (Stage 5). No formal exam.

6b, Did you say project?

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.

7, Why do I need the playbook?

Good question. We’re convinced that print encourages you to put down your device, switch off for a moment, and focus on the important things. Whilst the learning platform is organised seamlessly with video tutorials and online content. The playbook is different. It’s a valuable resource that you’ll go back to time and again. A place to capture your thoughts and spark action. It brings the online course to the physical world—something that you’ll appreciate when you receive your copy.

FYI. The playbook is lithographic printed on wood-free uncoated paper. Cover (300gsm), inner pagers (110gsm). Paper sourced from FSC approved forests. Product dimensions: 240mm x 170mm x 14mm. 176 pages.

8, What’s with the little wooden block?

That little wooden block is central to your learning. Each chapter references the EGSP® Leadership Compass in a very specific way. It’s been designed to illustrate key learning points, improve decision making and demonstrate step change improvement. It’ll help you set standards, raise performance, and—make Excellence the mission. (Did I mention the superior communication skills that will result?)

FYI. We source our maple wood from Bavarian forests in Germany. Designed in house by Twelve Scholars. Precision-engineered in Macclesfield. You’ll find plenty more behind the scenes info and footage over on our YouTube channel.

9, What’s so special about the worker bee?

Excellent question. That’s our friend the Scholar Bee. He’s on a leadership journey too. And he’s here to remind us to make Excellence our mission.

10, How long does the course take to complete?

We recommend you spend 4 hours a week. If you follow through on all the actions, it will take 3-6 months as a guide. Depended on circumstances and personal commitment, it may take longer—or shorter. You’ll have full access to the learning platform for 12 months.

11, Do you offer additional coaching or mentoring?

Yes. Please visit our support page or contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

12, What does the cost include?

Your investment includes 12 months access to the learning platform, the leadership playbook, leadership compass, delivered to your door, track and traced, to anywhere in the world. The cost does not include additional coaching or support.

13, Do you offer discounts?

Yes. We offer a small discount if multiple people (10+ for example) are ordering at once, within a company. Please contact us to discuss your enquiry.

14, Do you offer instalments?

We operate a pay-as-you-go structure. It’s a novel idea. You pay for The Essential Scholar, then add-on extra training as required. This allows you to tailor your leadership needs whilst controlling your costs.

15, Is there a refund policy? A money-back guarantee?

Yes. Advance your leadership skills in 90 days—or your money back. It’s a pretty bold statement. Seriously, if you haven’t seen improvement in your leadership skills in the first 3 months, then we’ll offer a full refund. All we ask is that you complete chapter one (this represents 10% of the course) and agree to a phone call with Bob Buckley. Our aim is to make the course the best it can be. We all have blind spots and may have missed something.

16, What about international sales, beyond the UK?

That’d be amazing! Our newsletter and podcasts are received throughout the world—especially the US. You’ll receive the Leadership Playbook and Leadership Compass via tracked international mail. Of course, the Learning Platform is accessible no matter where you live!

17, Is there a freemium model or a taster course?

We have a demo page that anyone can visit. You’ll find a sample of our tutorial videos, course structure and content.