South East Local Leaders is a rural leadership development program building community, industry and government leadership capacity for resilience and sustainability. The program accesses some of the best leadership thinking and practice, sharing practical leadership tools and helping participants develop leadership skills. The program design draws on neuroscience and behavioral psychology research showing that self-awareness underpins successful leadership.
The format includes a three-day ‘Deep Dive’ residential workshop focuses on self-awareness, reflection and social intelligence skills that build trust and rapport between participants. Personal and team action learning projects put new skills into practice. Two follow-up residential workshops are co-designed with participants. Online modules, coaching and mentoring activities maintain connections and progress in-between workshop sessions. There have been one hundred and twenty graduates of South East Local Leaders to date, who are invited to join an alumni to maintain connections and networking beyond the program.
South East Local Leaders brings together like-minded people who are passionate about leading change in their communities, this is a quote from one of the graduates.
“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
The South East Local Leaders Program for 2024 has been run with great success for all involved. Details of the 2025 program will be announced here early in 2025.