EDUCATION
Developing leaders
Clara Priester
Published: 05-JUL-04
The Globalisation and the restructuring of commerce and industry are redefining the foundations of business. Developments in information technology, the smashing of market boundaries, ever-changing socio-economic and political contexts, sky-rocketing expectations - all these changes make it imperative that executives keep alert to current thinking. But people in senior positions have little time for formal studies. EDP addresses that need.
Leadership
It could be said that the entire EDP programme is about business leadership, because leaders need to be competent and able to give direction. But leadership requires a great deal more than just knowledge. The effective business leader needs also to understand and influence other people, and to understand and manage him/herself. All this requires a clear sense of purpose, as well as personal courage.
Participants are helped to identify the roles, functions and behaviours of effective leaders in general, and then
how they, as unique individuals can best achieve the impact they need.
This is communicated through case studies, discussion, self-assessment instruments, and the practical application of current research into leadership effectiveness. Participants, who wish to, will have the opportunity for a private consultation with an organisational psychologist and/or executive coach during the programme. Each participant will develop a personal report on this/her leadership style, strengths and weaknesses, and a practical set of their next steps when they return to their organisations.
By definition, leadership cannot be a solitary enterprise. So the module will also look at the match between the leader and the organisation. When and how should change be introduced? What is the bridge between strategy and implementation? What can the leader do to build organisational capacity?
Arguably one of the greatest challenges to African leaders and managers today is to tap into
the full potential of employees to proactively address local and global competitive issues. The objectives of this module of the EDP programme are to assist delegates to achieve an overview of the following:
�The changing nature of work and the role of people in adding strategic value to business
�The rational for and implication of Employment Equity, the concept of unfair discrimination in the South African environment, and an understanding of some 'best practices' in this area as well as in human resources, in general
�The leadership requirements for fully utilising diverse employees in the achievement of business imperatives and organisational transformation
�An overview of key issues and dilemmas confronting leaders in the areas of corporate governance and business ethics.
Through a combination of case studies, facilitator input and group discussion, delegates will be equipped to understand and address key human resources issues that
will lead to managing employees effectively in the changing African context.
International Perspective
To observe global best practice in action and gain perspective on what our companies need to do to thrive in an interaction business environment, previous EDP classes have visited Singapore, South America, mainland China and the USA.
In 2004 EDP will be visiting Western and Central Europe. Europe has been chosen because of the variety of lessons it holds. It offers examples of best practice in manufacturing and service industries. It also offers living case studies in regional co-operation, economic and political transition. It offers a variety of different approaches to doing business in a relatively contained geographical area. Europe also remains the major export market and source of imports for many of our companies, and offers many varied opportunities for further business access. The study tour visits three cities and a number of companies.
The trip
is an integral part of the course, and will include an opportunity to reflect on the visits and study international business at a top business school in Europe.
Economics
A user friendly approach will be taken to provide an overview of the issues influencing key economic factors in the business environment. An appreciation of these economic indicators is an essential foundation for good business strategy. Included will be a presentation on the current economic outlook for Southern Africa.
� Further details will be supplied on request when the itinerary is confirmed. The class will depart from Johannesburg International Airport on 1 September and return on 10 September.
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