From 09 to 13 May, the JALLC hosted Allied Command Operation’s (ACO) Strategic Management workshop which was aimed at improving staff skills in risk and issue management. Wing Commander Jon Pugh, Strategic Management Section head at SHAPE had this to report:

"It’s not supposed to rain in Lisbon in the middle of May…but it poured down. This was a risk no one saw coming. Fitting then that during this week ACO’s Strategic Management workshop took place at JALLC to improve staff skills in Risk and Issue management."

The workshop drew together military and civilian management planning staffs from across ACO in order to enhance analysis and management skills sets; share best practice and common approaches; and drive the development of strategic management plans for the coming years. All ACO HQs took part in this SHAPE-led event. Also, notably, colleagues from HQ Supreme Allied Commander Transformation made the journey across the Atlantic, as part of continued efforts to drive coherence into the planning methodologies of the supporting and supported strategic commands.

The JALLC not only offered to host the event, but also contributed a wealth of analysis experience and training expertise. Far from being a death by PowerPoint, the JALLC facilitated training sessions throughout the week using innovative approaches to training, making full use of bowls, balls, sticks, alternative analysis, cognitive bias, audience participation, and quite a few post-it notes! The atmosphere was conducive to some vigorous discussion, brainstorming, and the enthusiastic participation of all.

The workshop outcome was very positive, with tangible development of the ACO Strategic Management Process, follow-on tasks for the HQs’ development of Strategic Management Planning products, shared knowledge and understanding, and enhanced skill sets of Strategic Management staffs. ACO is very grateful for the support from the JALLC in making this workshop a success. …And next time we will have a better mitigation plan for the weather.