How to Choose a Leadership Program
in Australia
See also: Job Crafting and Job Enrichment
Leadership training is a worthwhile investment, but you need to understand that there are different types of leadership development programs and courses.
In this article, we examine the main types of leadership training available in Australia - along with some key considerations for choosing which one will suit you best.
Define what is meant by "leadership"
Leadership is about influencing and inspiring others to take action in pursuit of a goal. Leaders inspire by setting the vision for an organization, being able to articulate it in a way that inspires people to follow them and supporting those under their leadership toward achieving goals.
There are many different types of leaders within a business or organization. It’s important to figure out your leadership style and which kind of leader you want to be before choosing a program that will be right for you.
Leaders need to be able to think critically and solve problems. They also need a basic level of knowledge in the field they’re leading, as well as good communication skills. Also, based on industry, there are several other skills that might be needed for the successful leader.
Consider the three main types of leadership training
You can choose to do a formal leadership program, an informal leadership program or enter into an experiential leadership program. Popular online programs like Learning Dimensions Network's online leadership and management course is highly regarded as one of the best in Australia and offers a flexible way to learn essential leadership skills.
This course involves structured learning with a formal syllabus and scheduled coursework. There is no real pressure here as you will be able to study at your own pace. The downside is that you may miss out on the excitement that comes from being immersed in other peoples' experiences for an extended period.
Informal programs fall somewhere between formal and experiential courses because they do not require structured study but still offer the benefits of being immersed in other peoples’ experiences for an extended period of time. Students are often asked to participate in group activities as well as reflections which help them better understand what is happening around them and how their actions affect others around them.
Decide on the level of program you need
If you are a beginner, the best place to start is with a basic leadership program. These courses provide an introduction to the fundamentals of management and leadership, as well as a brief history of both concepts. You basically receive the foundation necessary to take you to the next step in your leadership journey. Remember that leaders are not actually born. They learn how to be successful and they work hard to get the skills they need.
If you are an intermediate-level leader, then an advanced course will be most beneficial for your needs. Advanced programs focus on areas such as organizational politics and communication skills, but also go into depth about any particular area in which you feel under-equipped or lacking knowledge—for example, if your company is undergoing some sort of merger or acquisition and this is causing some stress within your team members' relationships with each other or their superiors at work. Another way in which these types of courses can help those who are already advanced in their careers is by providing them with more specialized instructions on how they should handle particular situations that arise often among those working within specific industries (such as HR Consulting).
Finally, if you've already achieved mastery over all things related to leadership then there's nothing left except trying out one last type before moving on: master's level courses! Many people tend not to want these because they think they'll just be repeating what they already know; however there actually exists quite a lot more depth when it comes down to that which has been discussed earlier than anything else out there so far.
Decide on the type of course you need
Before you begin the application process, think about what type of course will be most helpful to you. Some courses are designed for people who want to grow as leaders, others are more focused on skill development in a certain area. You need to choose based on where you are right now. If you feel you need just a couple of extra skills, go for that.
Take some time to reflect on your personal goals and professional goals. What do you want from your leadership training? Do you want to build confidence as a leader? Or do you want specific skills for your current role? What about after this course—do you want to continue learning or develop into a manager? This is important because it can help shape which course is best for your needs going forward.
Decide on your course delivery method
For some courses, you'll have to attend regular classes to complete the program. For others, you can do all your coursework on your own time and at your own pace.
Some programs are offered exclusively in-person, while others are available only online or a combination of both. If you have prior experience with leadership training, consider whether you'll need a residential program (where students live at the school for several weeks) or if an online option would be more suitable for you.
If possible, try to pick a program that offers multiple delivery options so that it fits into your schedule and budget without compromising quality or effectiveness.
Leadership training is a worthwhile investment
Leadership is a skill that can be learned, and leadership training is not just for managers. Whether you are looking for a new job or simply want to improve your career, leadership training could be the investment that makes you stand out from the crowd.
Further Reading from Skills You Need
The Skills You Need Guide to Leadership eBooks
Learn more about the skills you need to be an effective leader.
Our eBooks are ideal for new and experienced leaders and are full of easy-to-follow practical information to help you to develop your leadership skills.
Conclusion
Leadership training is a worthwhile investment. It can help you to become a better leader and make your organization more efficient. Leadership training can be an excellent way to boost your career, but it's important that you choose the right program for your needs and budget.
About the Author
Boris Dzhingarov is a passionate blogger. He is the founder of Dzhingarov.com.