Defence

Navy

Navy Middle Management Development Program

In November 2006 Navy held its inaugural Middle Management Development Program (MMDP) at the Griffin Hotel in Canberra. Petrina Cole explains.

Chief of Navy VADM Russ Shalders seen pictured with participants from the inaugural Navy Middle Management Development Program 13-17 November 2006.

This week-long residential course is aimed at developing management skills of APS 6 and EL 1 employees. The program was opened by Rear Admiral Russ Crane, Deputy Chief of Navy, who presented an overview of Navy operational commitments, future projects and personnel challenges. Vice Admiral Russ Shalders, Chief of Navy, closed the program and presented certificates to the participants.

Fifteen participants from Canberra, Sydney, Nowra and Wollongong gathered at the Griffin Hotel to explore topics such as performance management, giving and receiving feedback, influencing skills, writing skills and managing staff. A case simulation ran throughout the week providing participants with the opportunity to role play a senior EL 2 manager and, in turn, practice their management skills. Several participants commented that this experience was influential in the success of the program.

One participant commented that, “the program was excellent because it provided me with the skills to more effectively manage people through theory and practice…The facilitators were excellent in presenting their material and provided active discussion in the class. There was a good mix of participants as well. I have learnt as much from the facilitator as I did from my syndicate group.”

Several guest speakers addressed the program throughout the week, including Captain Jim Parsons, RAN, who presented on the HMAS Sydney discovery off Christmas Island late last year. In addition, Director General Navy Business Management, Mr David Spouse, presented on financial management and played an important role in the case simulation study. Mr Andy MacKinnon, Director Navy Strategic Policy and Futures, provided an authentic Australian Defence Force perspective in the role plays drawing from his many years in the Navy.

Overall, the program provided participants with opportunities to improve and practice their personal management skills.

I thought the program was extremely beneficial and highlighted the many issues associated with interacting and managing personnel and provided useful tips in handling a lot of these issues. The program demonstrated the importance of gathering all the facts before reaching a conclusion.

Due to the positive feedback received, Navy is planning two programs in 2007. One will be in Sydney from May 21-25 and another from November 19-23, either in Sydney or Canberra.

Petrina Cole is Executive Officer, Civilian Workforce Management.

[ top of page ]