AZARIA FAREEN
Twenty officials across the civil service have been part of an intensive weeklong Leadership Development Program (LDP) training headed by the Ministry of Civil Service held at Pacific Harbour recently.
The training attracted tier two and three officers, directors and deputy secretaries from various ministries to enhance their leadership skills that would effectively contribute how they manage and lead their team.
The youngest participant, deputy registrar of companies at the Ministry of Justice, Shayal Avneeta said, “this (training) will help me progress with building structures, strategic planning and assist my team and I to move forward with up-skilling ourselves through better communication and team bonding.
“Team bonding is important and I believe that is something that we should work towards in our respective ministries - to build a team that is focused on better service delivery. Given the level of knowledge the senior participants have and the experience shared by them has motivated me that I can actually go further ahead as I have a long way to go,” she added. Course facilitator, Dr Jagdishwar Singh has been involved in leadership education for close to 40 years says with the number of reforms undertaken by the Government this program is crucial for strong leaders to effect the change.
“The real strength of the program is that people can transfer their training into their work roles and the Ministry of Civil Service needs to be commended for trying to address this shortage of leadership skills.”
The programme focuses on gender balance in nominating participants and offers those opportunities to develop new thinking skills through experiential learning and networking.
“This training is tailor made for senior managers – 100 of which have already completed this program - which also enhances their positive self-development,” the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Civil Service, Susan Kiran said.
“Once the participants return to their office, they can be effective role models for their junior staff by applying the principles of their learning.”
Meanwhile, deputy secretary for primary and secondary for Ministry of Education, Timoci Bure said there is a need for improvement in service, effectiveness and efficiency of the work that is done at the ministry so leaders need to be up to par with what is expected.
“This training is very unique and important for me as it will contribute towards providing guidance, coaching and counseling to the senior staff and from them on to the respective district and the schools,” he said.
“The program content is a big takeaway and best now as it has got to do with transformational leadership leading change in any organization and this is exactly what the Government is promoting – leaders who can make the change and who can advocate for the need to change.”
Some of the key content outlined in the course was innovative and transformational leadership, communication with influence, strategic planning, conflict management, governance and risk management, succession planning, talent development & coaching and resource management.