Leadership development program

Background:

The need for leadership across the dairy industry has never been greater. Large opportunities and risks lie ahead, and the capacity of its leaders will play a significant role in its success. The industry must identify and skill the next generation of leaders who can act at political, company, service, research and farm business levels. A number of stakeholders (including Dairy Australia) invest in this area however an industry-wide plan would increase efficiency/effectiveness.

We must encourage younger farmers, service providers, processors and researchers to become more involved in the industry and willing to develop their leadership potential. It is critical that they are supported in their skills development and engagement.

Project objective:

Implement programs that provide opportunities for young dairy farmers and service providers to become involved with the industry and develop their leadership skills through a structured and supported process.

Project scope:

An industry ‘blueprint’ for leadership development 2010-2015 has been established, launched and a start made to implementation. argeted programs at each tier will provide opportunities for young dairy farmers and service providers to become involved with the industry and develop their leadership skills through a structured and supported process.

The industry has developed an appropriate program suitable for development at tier 1 (lead in) and piloted a tier 2 program (Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in the Australian Dairy Industry) in 2011 in collaboration with ADIC and supported by DAFF. Strategies for development of invited tier 1 leaders will be determined in collaboration with the People Development Council. Dairy Sage, a program for developing mentors will be used across the programs to ensure maximum benefit.

Outcomes/benefits:

Strong leadership is vital component of industry success. The overall objective of this project is that the industry has the leaders it needs at the local (Tier1), regional (Tier 2) and national (Tier 3) level.

Approx 50 farmers and service providers will participate in industry learning and leadership opportunities at tier 1, with a further 15 at tier 2 and 3 at tier 3 levels.

Existing as well as new mentors will be supported in their function and supported through networking and webinars. In providing training, facilitating network development with the support of mentors.

More information:

Fore more information, please contact Rodney Vile, Development Manager, National Centre Dairy Education Australia.