Queensland’s NRM sector has a new leadership framework and leadership capabilities with a number of programs now rolling out to support the sector’s 12 regional NRM organisations.
The CEOs of those organisations identified the need for the sector to build its capacity to lead at all levels at all places at all times. After 9 months of data collection, consultation and the exploration of leadership capabilities, a Leadership Framework was finalised, along with a number of leadership learning opportunities which NRM organisations and their staff can opt-in to.
The leadership framework was launched on 31 March with some 100 staff across the state’s 12 regional NRM organisations attending the virtual launch. A panel of special guests including Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur Julia Spicer spoke about their experience of leadership and their reflections on the sector’s new leadership capabilities.
The framework and its five leadership capabilities provide a common language that will help bring leadership development into the NRM sector’s everyday activities and conversations. The framework also complements the leadership initiatives that are already taking place at a regional level.
Leanne Kohler is a member or the leadership working group as well as the CEO of Desert Channels Queensland – one of 12 regional NRM organisations around the state. She said the leadership framework will help the sector better deliver outcomes for communities.
“The five core leadership capabilities we’ve developed are considered key success factors for delivering NRM across Queensland,” she said. “We’re expecting them to provide a framework to shape discussion and guide future leadership initiatives across our sector.”
NRM Regions Queensland CEO Chris Norman said leadership is something incorporated into every action at every level within the sector.
“Our people lead every day,” Chris said, “from the paddock to parliament and everything in between.”
“Our new leadership framework simply puts some structure around what leadership means for natural resource management, and how we can continue to grow new leaders to ensure w are making the biggest possible impact where it matters most.”
A series of recommendations were also made by the Leadership Working Group and three of those recommendations are being implemented immediately. These three initiatives allow regions and their staff to opt-in to a range of statewide learning opportunities including a monthly program of virtual skill-building called Lunch & Learn; a pilot mentoring program; and a review of the NRM sector’s Communities of Practice.
