Developing Direct Reports – Fearless Leadership the Speed Dating Way

How do we make our workplaces and ourselves more productive? Statistics show that ASX listed companies are 6 times more productive when feedback back is given as a gift, in a suggestive way, rather than a blaming way. How easy is it to listen and guide our direct reports through a journey of self awareness and to design a pathway forward to reach their goals and align them with our workplace goals.

Sounds easy doesn’t it?

The 2017 LGSC went on a fast paced journey where we discovered the way to identify the 12 derailer personality types. The way to decode them with one on one conversations with our team members via a guided conversation and to arrive at a conclusive action plan which would allow them to align their goals with the goals of their employers and the workplace. Firstly analysing ourselves which at times was quite confronting and recognisng our own traits provided us with the tools to enable us to take our direct reports on the same passage. Self awareness is crucial in developing our teams.

The “cyclonic” Corrine Armour kept the team challenged and engaged throughout the day.

We need to be brave to learn and self reflect. In dealing with others we need compassion and curiosity.

The journey of self discovery highlighted how much more we have to learn and made us inquisitive about the future.

It can be very confronting seeking feedback about ourselves and it puts us in a vulnerable position but ultimately it will help us understand our own leadership identities and find a path within to grow and lead. Wow what a statistic of 10 x “doers” in the group.

The challenge is to remember most people have positive intentions. Also that skills can be taught but values and attitudes aligned between ourselves, our teams and our companies should be considered when employing staff.

DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP IS MY JOB was emphasised and resonated with us all.

It is our job, it may be uncomfortable, we may not know the path right now but we CAN do it.

The key take home message was align intentions and behaviors and communication without judgement is critical.

Culture Program Day

The LGSC participants gathered at the Warrnambool Lighthouse Theatre and were invited to challenge their knowledge of Culture in both the society we belong and our workplace.

Facilitator Lynda Ford Director iGen Foundation explained with 60 Million refugees in the world at present and another 60 Million people displaced.

Lynda highlighted “Racism is the laziest form of discrimination- you don’t even have to get know someone to dislike them”, this statement challenged our thinking and was a take home quote for the day

Lynda provided an insight into the resilience of people from other cultures relocating and leaving family behind. She questioned the role of the community and provided examples of proactive ways to welcome new residents from diverse backgrounds.

Is Australia an embracing multi-cultural society?

Craig Biddiscombe from Elite Team Dynamics explained the importance workplace culture. If the structure is sound and if all members “Buy in”, workplace dynamics can improve, this creates avenues for honest face-to–face feedback and encourages role modelling of the right behaviors. celebrating selflessness and understanding were key strategies for cultural development in the workplace

The group was left to question – How can we improve our workplace culture?

A highlight of our day and a fitting close was the congratulations given to Delna on her Australian Citizenship, which was officially recognised on 20th April.

Thank you to Warrnambool City Council for hosting our group and sponsoring our Program Day.

2016 Participant Reflection

Five months in I cannot underrepresent the challenge that the LGSC program has presented me. I have questioned every aspect of my being and what I want to do with my life. I am devoted to continuous learning and self-improvement, seeking out feedback and searching for my passion. In the interim, I’m stepping up at work and in the community, creating further opportunities for myself and those around me to grow. I’m stronger, more confident and a better communicator, and I’m not giving up any time soon. Emma 2016 Alumni

Project Management Training

2017 Program Participants gathered in Port Fairy sharpen their Project Management skills. The enthusiastic group were motivated, challenged and rewarded with skills that will translate to the success of projects being undertaken in south-west Victoria.

The Project Management day was fast-paced, and, at times, overwhelming but participants learnt that this accurately reflects successful project management outcomes. Group facilitator, Kevin Bennett from the Best Practice Network, took participants through the steps of effective project management with a unique approach. The Countdown Challenge asked participants to look at the ways they communicate, define roles, clarify goals and use their natural skills to deliver a project on time, within budget and to the set requirements.

Key learnings of the year-long leadership program are to reflect, analyse and evaluate ourselves as leaders and, in this case, project managers. The Project Management day demonstrated to participants how projects can be set up and the critical need to define roles of the project management team. These roles then allow team members to increase their skills and capacity across projects.

The skills that were further developed by the group through the Countdown Challenge have given participants the foundations to better plan, execute and evaluate the future projects. A quote from Aristotle summed up Kevin’s message:

“First, have a definite, clear practical ideal; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end”. 

With LGSC program participants readying to embark on community projects, the increased skills and capacity are set to benefit the Great South Coast region.