Leader at work, in life
GRAHAM Lyon says he’s very proud to have graduated from the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s Program.
The program is an 18-month experiential training program aimed at improving leadership for the betterment of rural, regional and remote Australia and Graham believes it’s improved his capacity for giving back in all aspects of his life.
“Our cohort met in the Kimberly, Fremantle and regional WA, Bendigo, Regional Australia for remote learning during ovid and we finished here in Dubbo recently,” he told Dubbo Photo News.
“You go through an interview and selection process and then an organisation is asked to sponsor you. In my case the Australian Meat Processing Corporation sponsored two participants in this course (of 26).”
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation doesn’t have a high profile in mainstream Australia, but Graham believes the course is vital to the nation as Australia is crying out for strong leaders in the bush.
“The foundation is relatively unknown but has an increasing profile in regional Australia as the numbers of alumni swell to over 1000 people,” he said.
“For me, the need for strong leaders in the bush is very clear. We are resilient, innovative and resourceful people and if we speak together as one through our networks in rural, regional and remote Australia, then we own our story and our future.
“You’re not told much going into the course as the idea is to gain as much learning as you can from the experience. I knew I was surrounded by great people and a great organisation and therefore I took the leap of faith.
“The course absolutely delivers on all fronts. It is all about building capacity in rural and regional Australia, not about the individual and our intention is that our workplaces and communities all benefit from this program.”
Graham says his workplace, Fletcher International, is always striving to improve on everything it can, in every aspect of the business, in every way, every day.
He believes the course content and on-ground learning opens up the mind to absorb in the “now”, and implement when needed into the future by recognising when positive change can happen.
“The key in this course is experiential learning – that is, deep learning that may not be required immediately. You draw on the experiences of this learning depending on your situation and goals,” he said.
“The learnings taught us about six main leadership practices – awareness, of self, others and systems – authenticity, to help be a positive influence on people and community beyond self – action, courage to influence and mobilise others for common good – adaption, open to alternative perspectives,
responsive to changing contexts – affiliation, aligning with others to deliver a common good and advocacy, championing a commitment to an action.”
One program commences every year and 35 participants meet for five two-week sessions around Australia.
You can apply for Course 29 on the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation website from July 429 this year.