Shell is a global group of oil, gas and petrochemical companies with a broad portfolio of hydrogen, biofuels, wind and solar power interests. A significant part of Shell's investment is in the exploration and production of oil and gas.

In 2004, Bridge Consulting International in cooperation with Judge Business School, was invited by Mike Naylor, Vice President of Exploration Technical at Shell, to propose the design of an executive leadership programme for the Global Exploration division. Shell wanted to develop the skills of its present and future exploration leaders, and build networks, in order to meet the challenges of the highly competitive exploration business and create alignment in a newly formed global organisation. Given the strategic importance of the issues, a deeply customised programme was necessary. The strength of the University and school plus Bridge's industry experience and well rounded approach to leadership development ensured a tailored programme. For this reason, Shell chose to partner with Judge and Bridge.

The initial work involved analysis and dialogue on the specific needs of the current Exploration leadership community, plus investigation of industry issues and trends. This information was then used at an accelerated design workshop which included participants from multiple relevant stakeholder groups. This design work culminated in the launch of one pilot leadership module. The pilot was deemed a great success by Shell, and since then there have been eighteen sessions. These sessions are divided into the following themes: Personal Leadership, Optimising (project management), New Business Opportunities, Deal Making and Strategic Thinking.

Each module, aimed at groups of 20-25 exploration leaders and senior geoscientists, was run twice a year at Cambridge University. Additional follow up work on related subjects has taken place in the Netherlands, the USA, and Malaysia. The sessions are highly interactive and include lectures (from academics, business leaders and Shell faculty), open discussion, case study work and access to the latest research findings from Judge Business School faculty, the wider Cambridge University network, other universities and business schools and wider industry.

The cornerstone of these sessions is the Real Work Project - an intensive, multi-day facilitated structured exercise that enables participants to focus on a single strategic challenge facing the business. This innovative approach to accelerated group problem solving has allowed Shell to quickly identify creative solutions to real business challenges in a fraction of the time required by traditional meetings and group work. As a result of this process, strategic decisions have been revisited and amended using the solutions generated by the group.

Besides building skills and solving real business challenges, the programme develops greater understanding and alignment around business strategy. Each programme is introduced by the executive VP of Global Exploration, who values the opportunity to interact with members of his wider leadership community, and hear ideas and feedback on the strategy. The programme led to the development of a leadership framework, which offers a shared language and culture and has led to new standards of leadership performance.

Mike Naylor stated: "The programme is a tremendous success. In 2 years we have achieved a measurable increase in business-critical skills, leadership behaviours and individual self-awareness. The courses are a huge motivator; participants feel privileged to attend and enjoy a taste of the Cambridge educational and social experience. Besides achieving strategic alignment of staff, the Real Work Projects have had measurable impact on business results and direction, far in excess of the costs of the programme."

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