UFBA Leadership Workshop “pitch perfect”
25th May 2012The UFBA hosted its second Leadership and Governance Workshop in Wellington from 26 to 28 April. Fifteen current and up-and-coming leaders were selected from around the country to attend the workshop, which featured interactive presentations and skill-building exercises with workshop facilitators Damian D’Cruz from Mindspring and Jane Huria from HSR Governance.
Jim Stewart-Black, the head of USAR, also stopped by for an informal discussion on the importance of leadership in the Christchurch earthquake response.
The UFBA launched the workshop series last year to enhance leadership skills that members use not only within their brigades and fire forces, but on the job and in their personal lives. Participants are also exposed to the general principals of governance and how it can be applied in different contexts.
“The workshop went well, which was due in no small way to the hightly participative and involved attendees,” said Jane Huria, facilitator of the governance session. “There were good discussions and questions, and a robust sense of humour - all essential elements of an effective workshop.”
“This programme is beneficial on many levels - not only in their fire brigade work, but in their own business or employment situations and even at home,” says UFBA Chief Executive Officer, George Verry. “The people who participate have given us very good feedback on the information and learning they’ve taken away from the workshops, and we hope some of them will think about one day getting involved with the UFBA in a leadership or governance role.”
Post-workshop, participant feedback included:
- “Learned a lot I can keep learning with”
- “The workshop was pitch perfect for the group - lots of participation, not too much reading, engaging presentation and relevant. Really exceeded my expectations.”
- “Really interesting concepts - particularly active listening techniques. It enhances a skill we already have.”
The UFBA is planning the next workshop for the second half of the year, and will be inviting applications from members interested in developing their leadership skills. More details on how to apply will be available through the UFBA newsletter and website.