OBF Leadership – The Essence of Leadership

Module 1: Leading Results The module Leading Results equips managers with practical tools to drive value creation and improve business performance through a deeper understanding of Economic Profit (EP). Participants learn how to assess their organization’s financial starting point and identify opportunities for stronger results. A central element is the Economic Profit Tree, which breaks down the key drivers of value creation and provides a common framework for linking financial performance to strategic decision-making. The module explores Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) as one of the most actionable levers within Economic Profit. Leaders gain insight into how ROCE can be analyzed at a business level to uncover improvement potential and guide effective actions. The program also highlights the importance of communicating financial decisions clearly so they can be understood and acted upon by stakeholders across the organization. Through casework and practical exercises, participants develop skills in simplifying complex financial concepts and driving alignment. Delivered in cooperation with McKinsey & Company, the module combines best practices, executive insights, and real business cases to help leaders achieve measurable results through value-based management.

The module Leading Strategy gives leaders a clear framework for setting direction and building strategies that are both distinct and actionable. Participants explore what strategy truly means and what it is not. A key focus is problem-solving for impact, where leaders learn structured, hypothesis-driven approaches to tackle complex challenges, prioritize effectively, and translate insights into practical decisions. The module also emphasizes the importance of communicating strategy in a way that creates alignment and engagement across teams and stakeholders. Leaders strengthen their ability to adapt messaging, overcome biases, and inspire trust through clear strategic narratives. Finally, participants work on bridging the gap from strategy to execution, using proven tools and frameworks to ensure strategic plans translate into measurable action. Delivered in cooperation with McKinsey & Company, the module combines best practices, executive perspectives, and hands-on training to help leaders drive strategic clarity and long-term value creation.

The module Leading People focuses on building authentic leadership and creating high-performing teams through trust, responsibility, and strong values. Participants develop deeper self-awareness and learn how openness and honesty enable leaders to inspire commitment and establish a culture of continuous improvement. A central theme is understanding the team as the most powerful organizational unit. Leaders explore how high-performing teams thrive on autonomy, shared accountability, and a clear sense of purpose within the broader company direction. The module highlights how planning and training create flexibility and resilience, enabling leaders and teams to adapt quickly when unpredictability arises during execution. Participants learn how strong preparation supports better decision-making under pressure. Leaders also practice how to give and receive constructive feedback, translating it into learning and long-term development. Delivered in cooperation with former Norwegian Special Operations Command (FSK) personnel, the module includes intensive practical leadership training designed to strengthen trust, performance, and leadership effectiveness.

The module Leading Execution equips leaders with practical tools to turn strategy into action by improving speed, focus, and decision-making in complex organizations. Participants learn how to make the right things happen through disciplined execution and strong operational alignment. A core element is understanding the operating model as a logical view of how the business creates value and how every role contributes. Leaders gain clarity on how engagement and performance increase when responsibilities are clearly connected to customer outcomes. The module also covers how to set effective OKRs and performance indicators, ensuring that objectives are measurable and accountability is embedded throughout the organization. Participants explore how to create strong collaboration, especially in matrix structures, by establishing clear governance and decision rights. The module further emphasizes the importance of rigorous discussion, learning how teams can “fight and unite” to reach better decisions quickly. Led by Morten T. Hansen, one of the world’s leading experts on leadership and collaboration, the module combines research insights, best-practice examples, and real business cases to help leaders deliver results through execution excellence.