Inspired by the LG Pro leadership programs, Hepburn Shire Council identified the need to develop its internal leadership capability.
In 2015 the Victorian council developed a new ‘Emerging Leaders Program’.
This program supports coordinators and emerging leaders to develop the capabilities, courage, mindset and behaviours to be extraordinary leaders of the future. The program ensured these leaders have the knowledge and skills to manage and develop their staff to create a culture that is people focused. However, the program was offered widely across the organisation to those who identified themselves as interested and not just those who supervise staff.
Emerging Leaders was facilitated and coached by the People & Performance Team, along with an external team of highly skilled consultants. It was designed to provide a professional development opportunity, and transform the participants through learning and applying practical and adaptive leadership and people management skills.
This on-site program commenced in April 2015 and 12 sessions were held monthly covering: emotional intelligence; communication; leadership; recruitment and performance; and more.
The program inspired 25 Coordinators and 12 Emerging Leaders to lead the organisation at all levels, regardless of position.
Participants increased their skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities, and better understood the importance of managing themselves and others.
Sessions included the practical application of human resource policies and procedures, and has strengthened the relationships across teams and Departments to build towards a high performing organisation.
The added benefit from this program was the opportunity for the new leaders to work with their colleagues from other parts of the organisation.
At Hepburn Shire, employees work across a number of locations, so the program was an organised and constructive way to bring employees together.
With such positive feedback from the first group of participants, the Shire is due to kick off their 2016 group in the near future.
