Curriculum

We recognize that while you are experts in your academic domains, navigating the complexities of cross-cultural R&D teams requires unique leadership tools. Welcome to the SOLSTICE Curriculum, designed specifically for experienced researchers and international project managers seeking to get equipped with the skills and competencies necessary to foster inclusive, high-performing research environments.


The learning approach and journey is based upon The Scaffolding Philosophy. In SOLSTICE Curriculum, "lower scaffolds" introduce foundational core concepts and topics, while the “higher scaffolds” address the more advanced knowledge.

Tailored Academic Adaptation & Self-Paced Fluidity. A recommended learning pathway represents the move up the scaffold. However, you can control your learning pathway. Move up or down based on your existing knowledge and experience.


Each scaffold focuses on the critical areas of competence you need to lead diverse teams and foster a culture of innovation. The topics are interconnected, directly addressing the common challenges and opportunities found in international R&D projects.

INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL AWARENESS
o What is a “dominant narrative”?
o Understand the impact of biases and dominant narratives on team dynamics and decision-making. Explore how biases and dominant narratives shape perceptions, influence team dynamics, and affect decision-making.
o Develop strategies to recognize, challenge, and mitigate the influence of unconscious biases
Unit 1:
Dominant narratives and Unconscious biases
INTRODUCTION TO SFA
Unit 2:
The SOLSTICE Solution-oriented Approach
o Contrast: Problem solving approach vs Solution-oriented approach
o Learn the principle of double listening and its application in fostering constructive dialogue
SCAFFOLD 1
SELF-AWARENESS: ME AS A TEAM LEADER
o What is “re-authoring”?
o “Maps”, “narratives” and “landscapes” as a metaphors for self-reflection
o Leadership in contemporary, collaborative contexts
Unit 3:
The reflective leader: Re-authoring your leadership narrative
SCAFFOLD 2
LEADING ONE STEP BEHIND
o Define power dynamics and their role in leadership and teamwork.
o Explore approaches to balancing authority with openness and curiosity.
Unit 4:
Power Dynamics: Leading with curiosity and collaboration
VERBAL COMMUNICATION
ART OF INQUIRY
TEAM NARRATIVES: FROM PROBLEMS TO SHARED PURPOSE AND GLOBAL IDENTITY
Unit 5:
Practicing Active Listening
o Empathetic listening
o Techniques of reformulation to ensure understanding and validation
Unit 6:
Solution building questions
o Miracle question
o Scaling
o Future tense question
o Unique outcome questions
Unit 7:
Re-authoring team identity
o Relationships as processes of mutual influence
o Externalising conversations, escaping blame and assertiveness
o Practicing inquiry in team contexts
SCAFFOLD 3
SUSTAIN: EMBRACING FLEXIBILITY AND EXPERIMENTATION
o Utilize inquiry to identify opportunities for experimentation and analyse results in a constructive and forward-looking manner.
oDevelop a “learning from failure” culture of continuous improvement.
Unit 8:
Cultivating a culture of flexibility and experimentation
SCAFFOLD 4