Overview
Leadership for Collective Action (LCA) supports stakeholders to lead systemic reforms through shared leadership, inclusive coalitions, and time-bound Collective Action Initiatives (CAIs). It enables governments and partners to shift from fragmented efforts to coordinated, impact-driven transformation—essential wherever complex reforms require collaboration across diverse actors.
The methodology follows a structured journey: it begins with developing individual leadership capacities, evolves into multi-stakeholder coalition building, and culminates in the implementation of 100-day CAIs. These initiatives are not endpoints—they are strategic stepping stones. By collaborating on real, time-bound challenges, coalitions generate early wins, build trust, and gain momentum for broader reform.
Beyond the 100 days, the real transformation continues. The experience of working across institutions on practical solutions lays the foundation for longer-term impact. Participants learn to navigate complexity together, forge habits of joint problem-solving, and carry forward a shared agenda for change.
Throughout the process, teams are supported through targeted coaching, experiential facilitation, and a diverse set of tools drawn from systems thinking, Theory U, adaptive leadership, and the Rapid Results Approach. All content is tailored to national priorities and designed for re-use—ensuring that progress made during the program can be sustained and scaled over time.
Key elements
A systems leadership approach for transformation
We build leadership capacity to address complex sustainability challenges by strengthening the ability of individuals, organizations, and coalitions to see, understand and influence systems. Through structured learning journeys, country-specific facilitation, and locally owned CAIs, our model helps move from siloed, fragmented efforts to system-level transformation.
Locally led, globally supported
A core pillar of our methodology is local ownership. We facilitate processes where national stakeholders define priorities, co-create solutions, and lead implementation. Our role is to provide a flexible yet structured environment in which public sector actors, civil society, academia, and private stakeholders can align around a shared vision and act together.
Tailor-made for each country
Every program is custom-designed to the specific needs, priorities, and institutional landscapes of the country. We draw on a wide toolbox, including Theory U, systems thinking, adaptive leadership, experiential learning, and the Rapid Results Approach. These tools are not sector-specific and have been used successfully in countries across the globe to support strategic shifts in health, climate, economic development, governance, and social policy.
From personal insight to systemic impact
Our theory of change begins with developing leaders’ awareness and insight. This is followed by building inclusive coalitions and enabling them to engage in “learning by doing” through time-bound initiatives designed to tackle real-world challenges. This combination of reflection, action, and iteration enables systemic change and lasting impact.
Peer learning across coalitions and countries
We facilitate structured exchange across coalitions, sectors, and countries to deepen insight and accelerate progress. Participants learn from peers facing similar leadership challenges in different contexts—within the Philippines and internationally. This may include exchange between local government units, between national and subnational actors, or between Philippine and EU stakeholders. Cross-coalition dialogue fosters mutual learning, strengthens coalitions, and supports a culture of collective leadership.
Outline of our Leadership Journey
- Start: Shared Purpose & System Mapping
- Co‑Design: Coalitions & Priorities
- Do: 100‑day Collective Action Initiatives (CAIs)
- Reflect: Results, Learning, Adaptation
- Scale: Embed practices and expand coalitions
Tools & Methods
Systems thinking and mapping – Explore the bigger picture together, identify patterns, and understand how different parts of the system influence each other. This creates a shared view of where action will have the most impact.
Theory U – A guided process to slow down, listen deeply, and connect to emerging possibilities. Participants move from sensing the system, to finding shared purpose, to prototyping practical actions.
Adaptive and collaborative leadership – Develop the ability to navigate complexity, work across organizational boundaries, and mobilize people to tackle challenges where there are no simple answers.
Rapid Results Approach – Design and deliver ambitious, 100-day initiatives that build momentum, create early wins, and reveal what it will take to achieve larger reforms.
Peer learning and coaching – Draw on the experience of others through case clinics, peer coaching, and storytelling. These help participants test ideas, overcome obstacles, and strengthen relationships that last beyond the program.
What are Collective Action Initiatives (CAIs)?
CAIs are time‑bound, locally led projects that demonstrate progress within ~100 days. They build momentum, strengthen coalitions, and surface constraints to inform longer‑term reforms.
Examples:
Nepal — Unlocking UHC financing: A cross-ministerial coalition developed and secured government adoption of the National Health Financing Strategy, breaking a 10-year policy deadlock and providing a roadmap for universal health coverage.
Cameroon — Accelerating budget disbursement: The UHC coalition resolved long-standing bottlenecks in budget execution, leading to the release of 37% of earmarked funds (~10 billion CFA, ≈€15.2 million) to speed up reforms.
Theory of Change
Leaders develop shared purpose and practical skills → diverse coalitions co‑design and deliver near‑term CAIs → evidence and trust grow → institutions adapt and scale solutions → systems performance improves.
