Emerging Leaders Program

This dynamic, new, and transformative course is designed exclusively for emerging public sector leaders in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. ANZSOG recognises the pivotal role public servants play in shaping our societies, and the challenges facing current and emerging public sector leaders. This unique program aims to equip middle and operational managers (whether new to role or experienced) with the essential skills, knowledge, and support you need to thrive in your leadership role. Through a blend of face-to-face and online modules, participants will embark on a journey of personal and professional growth, building their capacity to become the next generation of visionary and effective leaders in the public sector. Join us on this empowering experience as we chart a path towards excellence in public service management.

Led by experienced facilitators, Robbie Macpherson and Jill Charker, this program offers practical insights and guidance to help you drive positive change in the public sector. Enrol now to enhance your leadership potential and make a meaningful difference in your organisation and community.

This program will encourage emerging leaders to think innovatively and give them strategic planning skills. It will also give them a knowledge base that spans different project areas and ways to improve their consultation, communication and ability to motivate their teams.

This course is designed for public servants who are middle managers or operational managers (whether new or experienced) who wish to progress to more senior management or leadership roles.

Enhanced Team Performance: This leadership program will focus on fostering a sense of responsibility among emerging leaders for your own and your team’s outcomes. By monitoring team progress and ensuring follow-through to deliver quality outcomes, you will be better equipped to motivate and guide your teams effectively. This heightened accountability will support improved team performance and higher levels of productivity.

Improved Strategic Alignment: Emerging leaders will develop skills in strategic planning and aligning the work area’s objectives with agency goals. This alignment will result in a more cohesive and coordinated approach to achieving organisational targets. You will be able to set clear and purposeful goals that contribute to the overall success of your organisation.

Strengthened Innovation and Agility: This program will encourage emerging leaders to think innovatively and generate new ideas and strategies. By promoting a culture of innovation, you will be more open to change and organisational or team improvement. This adaptability and agility will enable your organisation to stay ahead in a dynamic and competitive environment.

Cross-Functional Expertise: The program will equip emerging leaders with a broad knowledge base spanning various program areas. This expertise will enable you to better understand and address the challenges faced by different departments within your organisation. The ability to collaborate and provide insights across functions will lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.

Effective Consultation: Developing the skill of providing expert advice internally and externally to the organisation will strengthen your relationships and improve communication within and outside the organisation. Leaders will become valuable resources for your teams and other stakeholders, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

Increased Employee Engagement: As emerging leaders become more skilled in their roles, they will be better equipped to support team members’ growth and development. This investment in employee development will support increased job satisfaction, engagement, and a positive work environment.

Talent Retention and Attraction: Developing strong emerging leaders will have a positive impact on talent retention. Employees will be more likely to stay with an organisation that invests in their career growth and provides opportunities for leadership development. Moreover, the organisation will be more attractive to potential candidates seeking growth-oriented environments.

Organizational Resilience: With skilled leaders who can adapt to change, foster innovation, and strategically plan for the future, the organisation will become more resilient. The ability to respond effectively to challenges and embrace change will help ensure the organisation’s sustainability and success over the long term.

 Robbie Macpherson — who has been training and coaching corporate, community sector and public sector executives in Australia and New Zealand for over two decades — the program engages participants as co-contributors and this is an integral ingredient to the program’s success.

New to the program is Dr Jill Charker, who holds a First Class Honours degree and a PhD from Griffith University. Jill is Associate Partner, McKinsey and Company. Prior to her current role, Jill was Deputy Secretary of the Integration Taskforce in the former Department of Education, Skills and Employment and the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Secretary at the former Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business. Jill is an experienced senior leader who has worked at an executive level across public and private sectors.

Jason Ardler is a Yuin man with cultural and familial ties extending from the NSW South Coast, north to Laperouse. For over 20 years, Jason held senior executive roles in the NSW public and university sectors, including eight years as the Head of Aboriginal Affairs NSW, leading Government strategy and reform in Aboriginal economic participation, community governance, land rights, culture and heritage, community safety, environmental health and service accountability. Jason’s other roles have included Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Indigenous Strategy at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health; and Executive Director, Culture and Heritage in the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change.