My Career
Line up for leadership
By Barry Rollings

Volume 49, No. 5, April 05, 2007
 
STAND OUT: Members from CPL to FLTLT interested in sharing and exchanging ideas on leadership are being encouraged to apply for the Air Force Leadership Exchange Program.
Photo by AB Quentin Mushins
 
GOALS: Participants will focus on organisational and personal development during the program.
 
AIR Force begs to differ from the conventional wisdom that ‘leaders are born not made’ and has the evidence to prove it through its Leadership Exchange Program.

“It’s a unique opportunity in a rank-free environment to explore the issues that make leadership and management of interpersonal relations so challenging,” says the Deputy Director Adaptive Culture Programs, WGCDR Peter Phillips.

“Participants are actively engaged in ways that encourage them to think ‘outside the box’ and have fun doing it,” he said.

Any rank and mustering from CPL to FLTLT is eligible to attend one of the week-long programs in Canberra planned for May 7-11, May 21-25, July 23-27 and August 13-17.

Each program will comprise up to 24 members from around Australia.

Participants are selected on a competitive basis through completion of the Leadership Exchange nomination form, which can be found at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/RaafWeb/sites/AFAC/

Each application is reviewed to assess individual suitability for the exchange, the level of diversity and contribution members can provide for others attending, and the benefit to the member and the releasing unit.

All costs are borne by the Air Force Adaptive Culture Program but participants will require approved absence from their normal workplace for a working week Monday to Friday (which includes travelling time).

“The exchange focuses on the key leadership areas of self-awareness and self-development, assertiveness, leading a team and communication,” WGCDR Phillips said.

“Career and personal development go hand-in-hand and should be considered as elements to be continuously improved.

“Participation in the exchange will provide members with increased self-awareness. This is vital in being able to relate to others and exercise influence in a leadership role.

“Sharing experiences within a mixed rank environment is of great benefit, allowing participants to learn from others and create networking relationships.”

WGCDR Phillips said the Air Force was seeking open-minded members keen to share and exchange ideas on leadership.

Participants were expected to create and commit to well-defined goals with a focus on organisational and personal development.

“The future of the Air Force depends on fostering a values-based approach to both leadership and decision-making,” he said.

“As part of the Air Force Adaptive Culture program, the Leadership Exchange is one avenue of changing our culture to become more adaptable, flexible and responsive.

“Our program is called the Leadership Exchange because it allows members to ‘exchange’ experience and ideas with up to 24 other Air Force members from across Australia.”

For more information, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/RaafWeb/sites/AFAC/ or contact Sylvia Brooker on (02) 6266 8585.


What is the Leadership Exchange? Is the Leadership Exchange for you?
- The Leadership Exchange program is a one-week residential professional development forum held in Canberra by the Air Force Adaptive Culture Program.
- The program is fully funded by the Adaptive Culture Program, including all accommodation and travel costs.
- The exchange provides professional development for leadership effectiveness and increases self-awareness and ability to develop others.
- Participants will share ideas and experiences with other members from different ranks and occupations in an informal environment.
- Members have the opportunity to talk with Air Force leaders from various ranks and backgrounds.
- The Leadership Exchange program is looking for motivated members who want to enhance their own capability and leadership and help make a difference for Air Force.
- Participants ranked from CPL to FLTLT will come from diverse backgrounds, musterings, specialisations and experience levels.
- They will have the ability to reflect on their own leadership experiences and will want to share experiences and ideas and learn from effective leaders.