Newsroom

March, 2006

Enhancing Leadership in the Bush

A discussion paper focussing upon ways to assist the leaders of tomorrow in the country.

Summary

Champions of the Bush Inc (COTB) is a group of successful private businesses and organizations that operate proudly in country areas, employing collectively in excess of 10,000 Australians.

The members are both 'champions' in their own right, and committed to championing the cause of regional and provincial Australia. The organization has brought together individuals and businesses that are passionate in their commitment to rural and regional areas.

COTB members have made a major investment in the bush, both personally and financially, and are committed to sustainable regional development. We share a common concern that society currently undervalues the contributions made to the wealth of our nation by the 30 percent of Australians who live outside metropolitan areas.

The paradigm of Leadership: The world is constantly changing, and new age leadership is required to connect Australia globally, and help our communities to meet future challenges, and enjoy the benefits of country living. The country is changing. The changing demographic requires new approaches to leadership.

Leadership has to be encouraged, nurtured, mentored, and celebrated. It wonÕt magically happen.

Whilst there may be broadly two (2) categories of relevant leadership, ie: Community and Corporate, COTB regards them as intrinsically interlinked:

• Citizens getting involved in community development and volunteer service, in both government, (eg: Councils and Advisory Committees) and non-government organizations (NGO's)

• Professionals, Management and Employees working towards international competitive operations and increased productivity in their companies and workplaces.

What is proposed:

Two program initiatives:

1. An on-going mentoring program that enhances the opportunities for identified potential leaders to have direct dialogue with recognised current Leaders in corporate Australia.

2. A Leadership oratory series where recognised current Leaders visit provincial cities, speaking with local groups, industry associations, and schools of thought.

The overarching aim of these contacts and dialogue is to convince younger Australians that aspiring to leadership is a commendable ambition. It is crucial that they understand what leadership is, what it requires, and what the pitfalls may be. Above all, leadership is not about public profile, office, and recognition. It is about standing up, putting in, and making a difference for the betterment of society. Corporate success isnÕt automatically Community success. Financial resources and philanthropy are not necessarily required to participate.

Champions of the Bush wants to facilitate and help resource these initiatives by:

Connections:

Using connections, networks, personal and business relationships to approach and secure recognized Leaders in their field.

Facilitate local mentoring:

Arranging the mentoring through existing groups and organisations, such as Regional Leadership Development Programs, Chambers of Commerce, Young Professionals Networks, Rotary, Centres for Adult Education etc.

Arranging Oratory functions:

Helping with arrangements to bring speakers to provincial cities, in conjunction with existing groups and organizations, and using the local networks to ensure wide attendance and coverage. Public profile & Credibility: Building upon local profile and credibility to raise awareness in the public arena, the media, and to garner support.

Monitor, Measure and Benchmark:

Whilst leadership may be regarded as an intangible, a measure of the progress of potential leaders programs will be undertaken to demonstrate that quality outcomes are achieved by these initiatives, eg:

Table: Monitor, Measure & Benchmark matrix

How to citizens get involved?

Nominations would be called for in provincial cities, and local companies invited to sponsor these initiatives (either in time, resources or funding). Where Regional Leadership Development Programs are already established and underway, participants will be encouraged to apply for these additional enhancement initiatives. Government programs such as Community Development, Regional Development, and Education & Training, will be tapped to support and resource these outputs. Leadership is a partnership that the community must embrace, and the government resource.

Next Steps:

1. Endorse and prioritise the notion of Leadership enhancement in the Bush.

2. Identify and connect with similar initiatives and government programs, to build upon and avoid duplication.

3. Gain commitments from COTB members and others in the country, to be supported in turn by government.

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