– by Noluthando Makhaza
According to Prachi Juneja (2019), Leadership is a process by which an executive can direct, guide and influence the behaviour and work of others towards accomplishment of specific goals in a given situation. While the world is no longer looking for ‘just good managers’ but rather longing for great leaders who can walk the walk as much as they talk the talk, it is imperative that those who are tasked with leadership roles do their best and lead by example. Such calibre of leadership requires individuals with certain qualities such as honesty and integrity, good communication skills, decision-making capabilities, and a high level of emotional intelligence. Fortunately, such qualities and more can be acquired through our intense Senior Leadership Development Programme (SLDP).
A group of delegates are currently undergoing training on the SLDP which began in July, and is facilitated in block releases of three days per month for a period of five months. This programme is designed to assist executives develop expertise in order to lead change and transformation, to work more effectively in uncertain environments, to harness technology and to align the organisations strategy to performance and the achievement of results.
Thus far, our delegates have covered two modules, namely; Strategic Leadership, Context and Environment of Business, Ethics, Values and Culture; as well as Value Based Marketing, Organisation Strategy and Implementation. These modules were facilitated by our esteemed team of academics – Ms Natasha Williams-Phatela, Mr Simon Tankard, and Professor David Beaty. Our facilitators have created an interactive ambiance as they allow delegates to share their leadership experience while they, in return, acquire knowledge and skills from the industry experts. Apart from classroom exercises, executive coaching and mentoring, as well as a cutting edge business simulation are key features of the programme.
Two of our delegates volunteered to share their experience with us, and this is what they had to say:
“So far the programme has taught me a lot, especially on how to become a great leader. I’ve learned that, for example, as a leader you must have a vision. In order to be able to lead successfully, one must be able to transform their mindset in order to be able to lead people according to what the organisation aims to achieve” – Cynthia Barnes (NATU)
“The SLDP has been an eye opener for me in particular as I was last in a classroom in 1996 when I completed my Master of Laws qualification with UKZN, PMB campus. My role at NLC entails adjudicating applications for funding in the arts, culture, and heritage environment sector. Additionally, the previous UEL programmes such as the Effective Team Building has helped us in our decision making processes and in applying our emotional intelligence as executive leaders. Understanding our team members’ strengths and weaknesses, and that we are interdependent on one another, has been the most important lessons that we have taken back with us into our work environments at NLC” – Thendo Ramagoma (National Lotteries Commission)
With such great feedback from our delegates, we hope that this training will not only impact them professionally, but on all aspects of life. Leadership can also be regarded as the ability of a manager to induce the subordinates to work with in confidence and zeal. Lastly, if a leader cannot influence their team members then that leader needs to evaluate their leadership style, and UEL is here to assist you to do just that.
For more info on our SLDP programme, please contact:
Percy Sishi
T: +27 31 260 1853
