The HBA Global Ambassador Program Group Initiatives represent a visionary approach to strategic problem-solving. These initiatives foster co-creation and collaboration, harnessing real-time innovation to address gaps, create multiple options for challenges, and cultivate solutions that nurture the next generation of leaders.
During the program, the Ambassadors will work on 2-3 group initiatives for the company, in most cases from initial ideation to completion. The program's innovative approach operates under the guidance of a framework crafted by the organization, which grants the Ambassadors the freedom to explore and make informed choices, while also extending their horizons beyond their daily tasks, thus expanding their leadership mindset.
Group Initiative focuses vary widely and can address any element of DE&I, career or professional development, work/life, company culture, leadership delivery, etc. Employee-focused initiatives benefit the individual, which results in organizational success.
The Group Initiative requires a framework wherein the Ambassadors operate. This framework ensures that the Ambassadors remain aligned with the overarching vision and specific guidelines established by the company.
A program's Executive Sponsors play a pivotal role in developing and delivering the group initiative framework to the Ambassadors. In some cases it may be as simple as providing:
- A Problem Statement: present one or more known challenges facing the organization, business unit, etc., positioned as a problem to be solved
- A Goal: present a desired end state for a situation, allowing the Ambassadors to innovate solutions for how to get there
In others, Executive Sponsors may choose to curate the framework more intensively by assessing the present organizational landscape and discerning the strategic priorities, acquiring insights from diverse sources as needed
The Group Initiative Framework should be conveyed to the Champions during pre-launch planning, and then delivered live to the Ambassadors during the program's launch (or optional Fireside Chat), supplying them with the necessary context and direction to develop effective solutions.
Realities relating to DE&I, career or professional development, work/life, company culture, leadership delivery, or advancing women in the workplace can vary from one organization to another, and even across divisions within some corporations.
If known problem(s) or goal(s) aren't easily identifiable to present as the framework for the Group Initiatives, the HBA recommends that Executive Sponsors collaborate with the Champions to conduct a comprehensive 'listening tour' across critical areas, including HR, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) departments, internal women's networks, and engage with C-Suite or division heads.
The objective is to pinpoint the primary gaps and challenges impeding the advancement of women in the workplace.
- Compare the top trends identified during the listening tour with the organization's or division's strategic objectives to ensure perfect alignment.
- Create the blueprint, encompassing visual aids and a compelling narrative that communicates these priorities to the Ambassadors. In this narrative, endeavor to incorporate data, key insights from stakeholders, and a compelling rationale for addressing specific challenges.
- Deliver this narrative to the Champions during pre-launch and/or the Ambassadors at the program launch in a manner that ensures clarity and paves the way for their creative ideation.
As the Ambassadors embark on this journey, they encounter a unique opportunity to think expansively and actively engage in the design and implementation of impactful solutions. Throughout this process, Ambassadors cultivate a diverse skill set, which includes:
- Visualization: The ability to conceive and communicate abstract concepts.
- Adaptation and Pivoting: The skill of modifying approaches based on real-time feedback and changing circumstances.
- Experimentation, Testing, and Refinement: A culture of constant improvement through iterative testing and analysis.
- Prototyping: Transforming concepts into tangible prototypes to evaluate their viability.
- Overcoming Challenges: The aptitude to confront obstacles and setbacks with optimism, approaching them as opportunities for growth and innovation.
The Ambassador Program Group Initiatives represent a forward-thinking strategy that equips Ambassadors to become catalysts for change, promoting innovation and the advancement of gender equity in the workplace. It is a transformative approach that places your organization at the forefront of leadership development.
The HBA has dozens of Ambassador Programs across the globe, and no two group initiatives are exactly the same. Ambassadors will be asked to think of problems and issues, and big ideas to solve them – once narrowed down, these will become the group initiatives.
Here are a few examples of problem statements and proposed initiatives to solve the problem:
