Business students put their leadership skills to the test by completing a series of tricky military tasks, each taking turns to lead their group as part of their Critical Leadership module.

The tasks were organised by Thunderer Squadron who are also studying at the University as a part of their military training, allowing them to put theory into practice and also help other students to add to their portfolio by taking part in the event.

One task involved using only ropes to move a barrel without it falling over, while another involved re-ordering each person in the group into age order without speaking or falling off a bench.

Captain Guy Harvey from Thunderer Squadron who is currently in his third year at the University studying Business and Management, organised the tasks at HMS Temeraire. He said: “Getting our degrees at the University and putting on events like this help us progress in our military career as well as help students establish what their leadership abilities are like for their coursework.”

Despite half the challenge being to battle against the rain, the students seemed to thoroughly enjoy the tasks set and even saw the sun come out later on in the day.

Jack Crook, who finished his placement as Business Development Assistant for the Faculty of Business and Law in the summer said: “The event has been brilliant! There were lots of different leadership tasks where everyone has the opportunity to lead and have their voice heard and we even get a certificate that can be presented for job applications to prove our leadership skills. It’s useful for our course as we can use it as evidence for our assignments and the feedback really helps us see where we could do better.”

Lydia Parker, another student taking part, said: “It was very interesting having the Army conduct the tasks and seeing leadership from their perspective as it makes you think about how they would improve their leadership skills during training.”

Andrew Stewart who is the University representative on the Military Education Committee and the module coordinator for ‘Critical Leadership’ remarked that he was very impressed and heartened with the enthusiasm and commitment of the students despite the rain and was keen to encourage other students to be interested in their own leadership development.

The event has been brilliant! There were lots of different leadership tasks where everyone has the opportunity to lead and have their voice heard and we even get a certificate that can be presented for job applications to prove our leadership skills. 

Jack Crook, Business Development Assistant