Empowering Future Leaders: Leadership Foundations for Inclusive Development Workshops in Brisbane and Sydney

Australia Awards scholars from Indonesia recently participated in two engaging one-day workshops on “Leadership Foundations for Inclusive Development,” delivered by Square Circle Australia in Brisbane on 2 October and Sydney on 3 October 2024. These workshops allowed scholars a unique opportunity to explore key leadership concepts and their leadership styles.

At the heart of the workshops was the question: “How can we lead and make plans when we don’t know what the future holds?” Participants reflected on this challenge by examining adaptive leadership, a crucial skill for navigating uncertainty and complexity in inclusive development. Through group discussions and interactive sessions, they learned to lead with agility while maintaining a clear focus on their goals.

Each participant explored their leadership styles using the Team Management Profile (TMP). By completing an online assessment prior to the workshop, they received personalised reports that offered insights into their work preferences and how these shape their leadership approaches. This self-awareness helped participants understand how their personality traits influence decision-making, team dynamics, and leadership effectiveness.

The workshops emphasised Leading Self and Teams, encouraging participants to reflect on their roles as leaders and team members within complex systems. Scholars left the sessions with a stronger understanding of their unique leadership styles and strategies for fostering inclusive, adaptive leadership in their professional environments.

Additionally, the event offered valuable networking opportunities, allowing Indonesian Australia Awards scholars to exchange ideas and experiences while building a supportive leadership community. Equipped with new tools and insights, participants are now better prepared to tackle the challenges of inclusive development in Australia and upon their return home to Indonesia.