Leadership tips from the top

06 November 2009

Some of Western Australia's brightest leaders met the Premier of Western Australia in the first week of November to discuss leadership challenges for the State.

Thirty seven participants from the Leadership WA program discussed issues facing WA including a long term vision and implementation plan for WA, services to regional areas and effective leadership in the political system with the Premier Colin Barnett.

Leadership WA participant and Rio Tinto Manager corporate communications Robyn Sermon said the group valued the opportunity to challenge the Premier about the burning issues confronting WA and to also gain an insight into his personal leadership style.

"We've found during the year that we've been able to get to know leaders beyond the brief glimpses we see in the media and we've a great appreciation of how great leaders shape our community."

"We've heard about their personal frustrations, how they balance their busy lives and taken away many words of wisdom which will make us better prepared and more community focused leaders in the future"

Leadership WA is a non profit organisation that aims to build leadership capacity in the state through an experiential program designed for high potential leaders.  Participants commit to a year long series of seminars, field trips, team projects and individual reflective activities.

The 2009 Leadership WA program is almost complete and graduates have committed to giving back to the WA community through pro-bono work when they join 175 other fellows of the program.

Rio Tinto is a Foundation partner of Leadership WA, and also offers scholarships for leaders from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions to participate in the program.

For more information on Leadership WA visit www.leadershipwa.org.au