WAGGA SCHOOL LEADERS PROGRAM MODULE 7, 2021

The final module of the Wagga School Leaders Program for 2021 focused on implementing the skills developed and reflecting on lessons learnt throughout the program. Students spent time being mentored by leaders from within the Wagga Wagga community and concluded the module and program with a sharing circle.

As part of the reflection task set during the previous module, students were asked to present a colour that resonated with them and its personal significance to their cohorts.

The students considered the difference between a response and a reaction which was followed by a discussion on self belief, courage, the importance of a positive attitude and surrounding ourselves positive people and influences. The students reflected on their self confidence now in comparison to at the beginning of the program.

On review of the program the group related to the importance of being well prepared and appearing as the authority on a matter when speaking in front of an audience. We discussed being well prepared for presentations and noted the saying: perfectly prepared preparation prevents pathetically poor performance. Being well prepared makes it easier to stay calm, cool and collected while giving a presentation.

Jum Lamont of Jump Start Communications led the students in a conversation about their personal brand explaining that this must be authentic, is ‘what you believe in’ and provides focus and credibility to who you are. The students considered who in their lives has been a Leadership Role Model and why before concluding the session by reflecting on the aspects of their personal brand that require more focus.

The afternoon began with a mentoring session between the students and leaders of the Wagga Wagga community. This provided an invaluable opportunity for the students to seek advice from their mentors on effective leadership based on their mentors life experiences. Each mentor spoke about what they had passed on to the student also noted what they had learned from the discussion.

The final challenge for the day was for each student to present on ‘Who Am I and What Did I Get Out of the Program?’. Each student provided a unique takeaway form the program ranging from a greater sense of purpose and knowledge of self. Each student delivered a strong presentation that was well prepared and and demonstrated the work that had gone into their preparation. All students were critiqued by their peers about the quality of delivery and their non-verbal communication techniques. Jum Lamont spoke of the significant improvements he had witnessed since meeting the group in May, noting that all students had developed a strong understanding of the link between effective communication and leadership.

The day, and the program, concluded with a sharing circle providing everyone with the opportunity to speak openly and honestly about an experience or message, with no time limit or set structure to the talk. This was designed to be impromptu allowing the students to speak freely about what they had learned during the course of the program. Importantly, the students reflected on how differently they might have spoken if given the same opportunity at the beginning of the program.