FAQs

1. How does Connecting the Dots benefit students aged 16–18?

Our programme of learning equips students aged 16–18 with the tools, insights, and self-awareness to become self-leaders—individuals who can define their own goals, take ownership of their development and performance, and lead themselves and otherswith purpose. Connecting the Dots prepares students for a time when the external markers of success such as exam grades aren’t as clear. We help students to:

• build self-efficacy—the belief in their ability to take the steps necessary to achieve goals;
• gain clarity on their values, motivations, and strengths; and
• learn how to navigate complexity and uncertainty with confidence and insight.

These are the foundation for self-leadership.

2. Why are you called Connecting the Dots?

We’re called Connecting the Dots because that’s exactly what we help individuals do — take the many unique parts of who they are and bring them together to form a clearer, more connected sense of self.

Each person is made up of a constellation of qualities: personality traits, values, beliefs, strengths, motivations, and skills. Taken on their own, any one of these can shape the direction we go in. But with our learning programme, we illuminate all these elements - connect the dots between them – and students begin to see meaningful patterns and possibilities. They gain clearer insight into who they are, what drives them, and where they want to go.

After all, how can you really know what you want out of life or work if you don’t first understand who you are? That’s why our 3 learning pillars guide the learning. We start with “Identity” and the “Insight” that self-knowledge brings. “Impact” is what comes from making these connections: young people can begin to lead themselves with greater confidence and clarity, setting goals and making decisions that reflect what truly matters to them and how they want to shape their future.

3. Why do you have 3 pillars of learning—Identity, Insight, and Impact?

The three pillars—Identity, Insight, and Impact—form a structured and progressive learning journey toward self-leadership:

• Identity: Helps students explore who they are by examining their values, beliefs, emotions, and personality. This builds deep self-awareness and challenges limiting labels or assumptions.
• Insight: Encourages students to understand how their thoughts and beliefs shape behaviour. It introduces psychological frameworks and emotional regulation strategies, fostering metacognition and self-efficacy.
• Impact: Translates learning into action. Students set meaningful goals, identify support systems, and create personal strategies to thrive in the face of challenges.

Together, these pillars ensure that students not only understand themselves but also know how to apply that understanding to lead purposeful, empowered lives.

4. What is self-leadership and why does it matter?

Self-leadership is the ability to influence and guide oneself and others toward meaningful goals. It involves:

• intrinsic motivation;
• ownership of personal development;
• the capacity to manage emotions and behaviour; and
• the ability to inspire and lead others.

It matters because it empowers young people to navigate life beyond structured education. When external expectations fade, self-leaders can define their own path, make confident decisions, and maintain well-being. They are better equipped to adapt, persist through challenges, and live with purpose.

5. What is self-efficacy and how is it key to self-leadership?

Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s ability to take the actions necessary to achieve goals. It is a cornerstone of self-leadership because:

• it fuels motivation and resilience;
• it enables individuals to persist through setbacks; and
• it supports emotional regulation and self-compassion.

In the Connecting the Dots programme, students build self-efficacy by reflecting on past successes, identifying helpful beliefs, and developing emotional intelligence. This belief in their own capacity becomes the engine that drives their self-leadership journey.

6. How do you create psychological safety and trust to facilitate students participating in exercises that require them to give information about themselves?

Psychological safety is foundational to the Connecting the Dots experience. It is created through:

• reflective and creative tools like Padlet and Slido that allow for safe, personal expression;
• a structured environment that encourages curiosity, not judgment;
• small-group and pair work that fosters connection and empathy;
• exercises that normalise vulnerability and celebrate individuality; and
• a consistent emphasis on self-compassion and non-labelling approaches (e.g., moving beyond personality “types”).

7. Lumina Portraits are optional – why would you recommend them? And how much do they cost?

Lumina Spark portraits offer a uniquely powerful and personalised insight into how individuals show up across different environments. Unlike traditional personality assessments that categorise people into fixed types, Lumina uses a trait-based model that recognises the complexity and fluidity of human behaviour.

Here’s why we recommend them:

• Deepens self-awareness: The portrait helps students explore their motivations, behaviours, and blind spots in a way that’s both affirming and constructive.
• Supports self-leadership: By understanding their unique personality spectrum, students can better identify meaningful goals, develop healthy coping strategies, and take ownership of their personal development.
• Encourages emotional intelligence: The insights gained help students regulate emotions, improve decision-making, and build stronger relationships—key components of emotional intelligence.
• Enhances team understanding: When used in group settings, Lumina portraits foster empathy and collaboration by highlighting psychological opposites and “mirror selves,” helping students appreciate diversity in thought and behaviour.

As an accredited Lumina Spark practitioner, Claire ensures that students not only receive their portrait but also interpret it meaningfully, turning insight into real-life impact.

The cost of individual portraits varies depending on the number of students who complete them but are between £80-100 each.