NATIONAL UPDATE
LASA LEADERSHIP PROGRAM GETS RESULTS
B
eing a leader is not necessarily something that people naturally know how to do. While it is useful to possess certain attributes, it is also important to learn how to navigate the complexities of leadership, in order to be successful. Today’s leader needs to understand their team, be able to motivate them collectively and on an individual basis, manage performance, support careers, empower and inspire—as well as know how to deal with crises. There are certain pressures particular to the aged care environment. Things like grief, and how to deal with it, and managing end-of-life and palliative care. There can be high workforce turnover and burnout, particularly with the added pressure of a pandemic and its impact on older people. In an industry that is predicated on its workforce operating at the optimum level, making sure team members are feeling happy, rewarded and committed, is important. Managers who are good at leading can have a profound influence on their team. This is why Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), through our Centre for Workforce Development & Innovation, developed the LASA Leadership Program. Running since 2020, the interactive experience is designed for current and emerging leaders who wish to gain self-awareness as a leader, and develop leadership skills specific to age services. The program is designed for all leadership positions in aged care at any level, and is ideal for those transitioning to a leadership position. The six months of learning includes online coursework and coaching sessions. Learning begins with a self-assessment tool, the CILCA 360 program, to help leaders better understand themselves, their leadership style and capabilities. CILCA 360 is the only leadership assessment tool designed for the age services industry, measuring individuals’ capabilities across the Aged Care Quality Standards, and aligned to the Australian Aged Care Leadership Capability Framework. “Without the right tools and support, leaders can experience immense stress and burnout, so it is vital for the future of our industry that we build leadership capacity in our workforce, and
provide managers with the support they need,” says Program Manager Karen Murray. “The LASA Leadership Program fills an important niche, and we encourage aged care operators to consider the benefits of leadership training for their staff members and their organisation. “Our participants have consistently attested to the quality of teaching and learning within the program, and we are delighted to play our role in strengthening the age services workforce.” The feedback we received from our latest course demonstrates the value and quality of the program. “Over the years I have been involved in a number of leadership training courses, and this was certainly one of the most engaging and relevant I have seen,” said one participant. “My perception of leadership has changed since completing the program. I am now aware that leadership is more than just being ‘right’ and it’s more about collaboration and getting to know yourself, your staff, and your organisation,” said another. After every session, a zoom poll indicated unanimous strong agreement with statements such as ‘the facilitator explained things clearly’; ‘I am satisfied with the level of support I received’; and ‘I will be able to apply the knowledge’. Program Facilitator Cheryl Edwards is incredibly passionate about supporting and developing leaders in the industry. “I want aged care leaders to feel empowered to be able to do their job successfully, I want to be able to help them reduce their stress, and I want to be able to support them to create healthy and happy work environments,” she said. “It’s by building capacity at all levels of leadership, that we will be able to support the age services workforce to provide the quality care that Australians expect and deserve.” The LASA Leadership Program can be used as partial credit towards nationally recognised training in the Diploma of Leadership and Management. The next program begins 8 March 2022, and enrolments are now open. Linda Baraciolli is Communications Advisor and Fusion Editor, Leading Age Services Australia. For more information visit www.lasa.asn.au/lasa-leadership-program
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