Case Study: Lindy Allen
The ability to manage people is one of the most complex and important skills needed to be an effective business leader.
Lindy Allen, CEO Regional Arts Victoria recently attended the Foundations of Leadership program with Mt Eliza executive education. Her participation was supported through a scholarship from the Australia Business Arts Foundation and the Margaret Lawrence Bequest.
She is finding that the program is invaluable in developing her leadership capability.
The Foundations of Leadership program is a residential program which runs over three days and is facilitated by Program Director, Margaret Holden. Participants:
• understand the dynamics of conflict and how to work with it
• improve their ability to work in groups by examining the dynamics of group interaction
• gain insight into real-life leadership problems and issues
• create practical strategies for reaching attainable goals and objectives
• receive detailed feedback on their leadership capabilities
The program presenters at Mt Eliza executive education passionately deliver course content combining practical wisdom and business experience. Drawing upon global knowledge and local insights, they impart cutting edge knowledge and experience through program delivery. The effect this had on Lindy was transformational.
"I felt that the program would offer me an invaluable opportunity to evaluate my leadership style, highlight strengths and areas that could be further developed. The program was extremely well-managed, with highly trained professionals delivering the program material and available for one-on-one sessions. The impact was profound - a lot of what I learned was heartening, some was confronting, but in the context it was all transformational," she said.
"One of the simplest pieces of wisdom I took away was that there is no ‘right' profile - we all operate with different backgrounds, preferences, experiences and foibles - it's understanding ourselves that is the key to being able to provide effective and useful leadership to others."
Lindy is finding that what she learned through the program is helping her in influencing and inspiring her staff to work to their full potential toward a shared vision.
"Much of what I have learned I am able to directly apply within my role as CEO of a small-to-medium sized organisation. This has made me better able to support my staff in a way that reflects their needs. I also feel much better equipped to respond to the leadership challenges that are inherent in managing a not-for-profit organisation."
