Founder and Director - Carl Haggerty FRSA

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I'm Carl, the founder and director of Relationships for Change.

I love connecting people to the joy of learning, and turning that learning into impactful action and purposeful change.  

After over 25 years working in local government change and transformation, I have developed a clear understanding of my approach and have learnt what consistently and effectively enables transformation to happen - and the barriers which stop it from happening! This is why I created Relationships for Change. I know that relationships are at the heart of change and want to help you to do what matters by learning what matters.

These are my core principles:

I believe in a Relationship-Centred Approach: I move beyond a transactional view of relationships and prioritise building deep, authentic connections. This means that I focus on understanding the individual and their context, not just their role or function.

• I lead with generosity, focusing on offering help, support, and resources freely to those who share my values and passions. This is why I offer support and complimentary coaching sessions.
• I invest in trust, prioritising it as the foundation for all interactions, recognising that vulnerability and psychological safety are essential.
• I emphasise collaboration, fostering environments that encourage teamwork, open communication, and shared ownership.

I value Deep Listening and Reflection: I shift from presenting as an "expert" to being a facilitator of learning and discovery.

• I prioritise listening: I create spaces where people feel safe to share their ideas, concerns, and perspectives, and I actively listen to understand their unique contributions. This involves valuing silence and the insights it can bring.
• I embrace reflection: I build in time for reflection, both individually and collectively, to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions.
• I encourage self-awareness: I support individuals in developing their self-awareness through practices such as journaling, mindfulness, and feedback.

I am committed to Experiential Learning and Continuous Growth: I make learning an integral part of daily work and a driver of continuous improvement.

• I integrate learning with doing: I emphasise hands-on experiences and active participation to enhance retention and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
• I prioritise learning: I build learning into the heart of all activities rather than treating it as an afterthought.
• I promote adaptability and innovation: I foster a culture that values experimentation, learning from mistakes, and adapting to change.

I believe in Disruptive Inquiry and Courageous Leadership: I challenge the status quo, ask difficult questions, and encourage others to be brave.

• I challenge assumptions: I encourage critical thinking and questioning of unspoken assumptions and conventional approaches.
• I facilitate bravery: I support people to take risks, try new things, and embrace discomfort in the pursuit of growth. This includes creating a safe space for vulnerability and open communication.
• I focus on what matters: I encourage leaders and teams to reflect on their purpose and values and ensure that their actions align with a deeper, more meaningful intention. This involves a commitment to "Doing What Matters" and "Learning What Matters".

I take an Experimental and Adaptive Approach: I recognise that transformation is an ongoing, iterative process that requires flexibility and adaptation.

• I run experiments: I encourage "trying a bunch of stuff together" with partners rather than being overly focused on data-driven solutions alone.
• I embrace messiness: I acknowledge and welcome the messiness that comes with experimentation and change.
• I adapt and refine: I use feedback and learning to continuously refine approaches and strategies.

How I Apply these Principles in Action:

• I move beyond binary thinking: I approach challenges with a "both/and" mindset rather than an "either/or" approach, recognising the value of seemingly opposing ideas.
• I manage polarities: I understand and manage situations involving interdependent opposites by balancing the strengths of both sides.
• I address cognitive dissonance: I recognise the discomfort of holding contradictory beliefs and use it as a catalyst for creative energy and positive change.
• I focus on personal development: I recognise that deep transformation requires self-reflection and personal growth, especially for leaders. I use tools such as the Leadership Circle Profile to support this journey.
• I lead by example: I model the behaviours and values I want to see in others. This involves being authentic, vulnerable, and transparent.
• I embrace a leader-led approach to change: I empower leaders at all levels to take ownership of change initiatives and drive progress within their teams.

The best way to build a relationship is to have a conversation, so lets talk.

Expertise:

• Complex Organisational Change
• Leadership Learning
• Organisational Design & Development
• Creativity in Delivering Value and Impact and new ways of working
• Digital Transformation & Innovation
• Certified Leadership Circle Practitioner
• Organisational Relationship Systems Coaching -  Fundamentals

Key Strengths:

• Strategic leadership focusing on root causes and a systemic perspective
• Designing and Implementing learning experiences for leaders and teams grounded in real work
• Leading complex transformation and improvement leading to lasting impactful change
• Designing organisational vision, strategy, and values
• Building highly-trusted and effective relationships, empowering individuals, teams and organisations to achieve their full potential. 
• Inspiring innovation, connection, creativity, and a culture of play
• Encouraging alternative perspectives and challenging conventional thinking
• Grounding theory into practical application and current context

Accolades:

• Guardian Public Services Award Winner (Leadership Excellence)
• Local Government Chronicle Top 100 Most Influential in Public Services 
• Fellow of The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce

Legal Stuff

Relationships for Change is a registered limited company: number 15829087 

The registered company office address: 

First Floor Lipton House, Stanbridge Road, Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom, LU7 4QQ