High Impact Women's Leadership Program

                   

THIS NEW PROGRAM TAKES THE LEAD ON DEVELOPING FEMALE EXECUTIVES

This new leadership program, developed to help get more women into executive roles in South Australia, was launched on May 15 2008. A second program will commence in September 2008 - the closing date for registrations is August 15.

The High Impact – Women in Leadership Program is a joint initiative of the Leaders Institute of South Australia and Locher Human Resources and is led by Niki Vincent and Danielle Jiranek. It has been established to respond to some of the challenges faced by women in both the private and public sector. 

Chief Executive of the Leaders Institute of South Australia, Niki Vincent said, “The program will focus on guiding participants through a series of key modules such as leadership fundamentals, personal leadership, team building and career and life planning. We also want to draw upon the experiences of the participants to provide insights that can assist both the private and public sector to develop a new generation of female executives.” 

Research undertaken by the South Australian Government’s Office for Public Employment found that in the SA public sector only 24% of all applications for executive positions came from women and that women were significantly under represented at a senior level (ASO6 and above). 

“It has already been recognised many changes are required in order for women to comprise half of public sector employees in the executive levels (including chief executives) by 2014, an objective of the State’s Strategic Plan”, said Danielle Jiranek, Locher Human Resources, Director of Organisational Development. “While progress is being made, there’s still a long way to go as current growth rates show that it will take over 20 years for women to make up 50% of the executive workforce in the public sector. Studies show that organisations and companies with greater gender diversity at a senior level, perform better financially, so there’s evidence to support the view that increasing women’s representation within the public sector will make it more efficient. Women often have very different leadership qualities from men and the qualities being sought for executive roles need to be considered carefully. There are many issues to consider and this program will provide senior women with a chance to develop their unique leadership capacity, connect with other women from a diversity of sectors and consider barriers including individual and organisational. Our aim is to build leadership capacity among women and this needs to be undertaken in tandem with any systemic change.” 

The High Impact – Women in Leadership Program has already received strong support from within the South Australian public sector and business community. The first program commenced on May 15 2008 with 16 participants registered. The program is structured to contain a diverse mix of leadership development experiences, including hearing from, and interacting with, some high profile community, public and private sector leaders (see model attached). Here is what some of our current participants have said about the program so far:

“I have found the High Impact Program to be extremely valuable. It has given me a chance to spend time on my own development, made me realise that others share the challenges that I face on a daily basis and has been an excellent networking opportunity. It has also allowed me to meet some inspirational women in leadership roles and hear their experiences and benefit from their tips and suggestions. I would recommend this program to everyone; it is not easy but the rewards far outweigh the commitment that is required”.

FRANCES GRAY, Service Centre Manager, ABB Grain

“High Impact gives women leaders the opportunity to explore different views and styles of leadership and an array of leadership challenges – particularly those women face… The High Impact journey has so far included intense discussion, reflective practice, creative mechanisms to gain feedback on one’s own leadership and practical opportunities to collaboratively consider current key issues… I have found that there is a special energy that comes with High Impact; energy generated by a group of wise women leaders committed to learning together to be the best leaders they possibly can. I can’t wait to continue my journey with this group for the rest of the year and beyond.”

KATRINE HILDYARD, Branch Assistant Secretary, Australian Services Union, SA+NT Branch

“The course has been a unique and very reflective experience, firm friendships and networks have been formed and I cannot wait for the remainder of the course which I am sure will be as valuable as the days we have already participated in. I highly recommend the course to all senior women from all areas - you will enter a very enjoyable and valuable learning curve.”

LORRAINE AMOS, Area Manager, SA Ambulance Service

For more information download the brochure here, program model here and registration form here - or contact Leanne Brus Bentley at Locher on 8201 1133. Closing date for applications for the second program commencing in September is August 15 2008.