We caught up with one of this year’s Emerging Leaders Program cohort, Sandra Mann, Development Support Officer, City Development at Mount Barker District Council to find out how she's finding the program so far.

What made you sign up for the Emerging Leaders Program?

I expressed interest in taking part in the program last year, as did 5 other people within my council - who couldn't sponsor all of us.  When the program was offered again this year, again I put my hand up, as I feel continually learning within the workplace is beneficial for not only myself but also the organisation, and really felt it was time for me to study again.

Many of my Council's previous cohorts also highly recommended the program, being a fantastic opportunity to meet and work with other people from other councils, how it was a great hands on experience when it comes to learning transferable leaderships skills.

The most recent module focused on leading through Change – what were some of takeaways from this module?

Change is something that is very real within any workplace and organisation, probably now more than ever with the challenges thrown our way this year, and the impending changes within the LGA due to the SA Planning portal (yes, I work in the Planning Department!)

I found this module was a great reminder that everyone deals with change differently, to continually check in with the rest of your team and workmates to 'see how they are travelling'.

I found the stages of change really interesting, how this cycle works for everyone, and how everyone can be at different steps during the whole process.  Also was great to talk through how good leaders can help implement and guide the change process, so everyone feels involved and engaged in the process, also acknowledging there will be negativity.  Giving us skills, tools and knowledge to overcome this effectively, and the confidence to do so.

What are you most looking forward to as the program progresses?

After having to start out with a few of our modules being zoom sessions, I wasn't sure how this was going to go, but I enjoyed the challenge of the first assignment where we analysed our own strengths and weaknesses, identifying how I can improve my own leadership skills and style. 

The module presentations were a great learning curve, from the perspective from working with people that you hadn't met before - straight after analysing your own working styles and preferences, but also a great information sharing opportunity when the other groups presented.  
Looking forward, I am keen to further develop my own skills and knowledge through the learnings and this self-reflection, having the ability and confidence to put these in practice due to the program. 

I am also looking forward to finishing off the program in person, finalising our group assignment and delivering our group presentation to the rest of the cohort and invited guests in person, and of course seeing the other cohorts’ presentations.