While acknowledging that there is no substitute for good merit-based selection of leaders with strong political and managerial skill sets, scenario-based leadership learning for senior leadership teams in UN field missions can greatly contribute to effective strategic thinking, decision-making, and crisis management in increasingly uncertain operational environments by using real-world examples to develop these competencies. As most senior staff members of a UN field operation are rarely recruited at the same time as a “leadership team,” such trainings can also serve as team-building exercises and foster collaboration within the mission.
To that end, this project develops scenario-based training materials for both in-mission leadership training exercises (to be carried out in UN field missions) and tabletop exercises (to be carried out in New York and capitals). The intent is to enhance senior leadership within UN missions to be better equipped to manage contemporary crises, lead teams, make decisions while confronted with competing objectives and priorities, and effectively deliver the mandate of the United Nations. This will improve senior leadership training in missions, as well as foster team building within a mission by providing the training in the field using real-world examples.
For more information on this project, read the project framing paper.