The Challenge
In 2015 Global Learning partnered with South East Landcare (NSW) to design and facilitate a program to develop the leadership skills of people involved in natural resource management, Landcare, community, biosecurity and agricultural sectors in the South East of NSW. The program aims to build rural community, industry and government leadership capacity for resilience and sustainability.
This South East Landcare Local Leaders program has now graduated nearly 120 local leaders who have now formed strong regional networks and a strong alumni group.
The Process
Global Learning has worked closely with key sponsors and other stakeholders to co-design, develop, manage and facilitate these leadership development program and support an ongoing alumni development program.
The program has five key elements spread over a four month period.
- Pre workshop online – focused on personal learning activities that feed into the program
- Deep Dive Workshop (3 days) – covers the fundamental of personal, team and organisational leadership.
- Co-Creating Workshop (3 days) – focused on participants skills networks and capabilities.
- Consolidation Workshop (3 days) – documents and celebrates the learning, the lessons, the next steps.
- Leadership in Action – links all components for the duration of the program. It combines project work, peer coaching and mentor support as well as feedback and discussion.
The Local Leaders Program provides unique opportunities to collaborate, deepen and expand skills to lead, build long-term networks, develop problem solving and systems thinking skills, and undertake a wide range of practical ‘hands-on’ learning experiences.
The Results
Here is what a few participants from the program have said about their experience.
“This project will find the leadership skills within you and shine a light on them. It will also help you see where you’re getting in your own way. You will come out of this course already on the way to making the changes you need to make to reach your leadership potential, and have a positive impact on the world.” 2017 participant
“A really inspirational and challenging journey of personal growth and skills development in a safe, supportive environment. The program works because you have great facilitators, excellent structure and highly skilled participants wanting to learn. It’s a great recipe.” 2016 participant
“My concept of what I think a leader is has changed completely as a result of the course. My previous view was that leaders were out in front, making decisions and consulting along the way. My view after doing the course is that it is possible, and maybe even more effective, to lead from within a group. The tools and techniques we were exposed to and practiced have given me a greater ability to support my regional partnership as well as influencing my workplace to be more systemic, people led and consultative.” 2015 participant
“A cutting edge leadership program that can draw out the leader within everyone. Developing leadership understanding and collaborative skills for tomorrows world.” 2015 participant
“The vision of this program is amazing – find people who are interested in being leaders in their community, teach them skills to help them become effective leaders and then send them back to their communities to start leading change from the grassroots up. This is about creating community resilience and solving big problems using local solutions. If you want to be part of it sign up today!” 2015 participant