Defence

Feature

Excellence in management

In keeping with the Defence Priorities 2006-07 and, in particular, developing ‘excellence in management’, one Defence employee has been officially recognised by an external body as the winner of the 2006 Telstra Northern Territory Business Woman of the Year award. Alisha Welch reports.

Ms Anne Bradford, Regional Manager Northern Territory (NT)/Kimberly, Defence Support Group, won the NT Hudson Community and Government Award in October this year and, in a recent interview, said she was “gobsmacked” at being named a winner.

“One of my staff members nominated me and it turned out to be an extremely rigorous, yet inspiring, process. It was incredibly inspirational to meet and talk to other amazing women who were also nominated,” she said.

The Telstra Business Woman’s Awards began 12 years ago and aim to honour women whose achievements, commitment and vision have made them leaders in their fields.

DSG Regional Manager NT/Kimberly, Ms Anne Bradford, giving her acceptance speech after being named winner of the National Hudson Community and Government Award.

Ms Bradford manages more than 1300 employees and 1000 contractors across 92 Defence sites, providing a range of administrative and technical services.

“As the spouse of a serving Australian Defence Force member, moving around Australia has certainly not prevented me from embracing every opportunity,” she said.

“Relocating has been an advantage – certainly not a disadvantage – in terms of adaptability and being able to gain many unique career opportunities.

“Before joining Defence I worked as a teacher, lecturer, consultant and at the National Crime Authority where I was the National Manager Learning and Development, and responsible for developing and implementing a workforce capability framework for training, professional learning and staff development. This diverse experience has assisted greatly in my current role as Regional Manager.”

I asked Ms Bradford what she believed were the main challenges as a woman in a managerial position.

“I don’t see my gender as being relevant in terms of my ability to do a good job,” she said.

“People impose restrictions upon themselves – it is not about being a woman, it is about gaining respect, credibility and having a ‘voice at the table’. Maintaining excellence in management is about leaders with vision being able to articulate this vision and project it so colleagues, superiors and subordinates strive for optimum performance.

“I believe the best managers are people who have strong personal values, who live and breathe these values. Additionally, people who are willing to continually learn and grow, as well as coach, mentor and provide guidance, gain the best from themselves and their team,” she said.

And her message to women in Defence?

“Be yourself, continue to strive for excellence, be heard and know that you have a positive contribution to make!”

In December last year, Ms Bradford attended the national Telstra Business Women’s Awards presentation held in Sydney, where she was awarded the National Hudson Community and Government Award.

“I was absolutely overwhelmed and humbled by the award,” she said.

“This is the first time a Public Servant or a NT entrant has been successful.”

Ms Margot Spalding, co-Owner and co-Director of Jimmy Possum Furniture Pty Ltd, was named 2006 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year.

For further information on how to nominate for the awards, visit http://www.businesswomensawards.telstra.com.

Alisha Welch is Editor, Defence magazine, Corporate Governance and Renewal Branch, ADHQ.

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