Building resilience in a professional services community: The role of leadership development

The Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services Management and Leadership Program aims to increase the skills and knowledge of managers and leaders in order to create a workforce capable of meeting changing needs and future requirements.

The Program consists of a series of in-house programs for frontline and aspiring managers (the Foundation Course); senior nurses and allied health professionals; clinical leaders; and graduate trainees. Most programs include didactic methods and group learning as well as experiential learning activities such as shadowing, coaching, action learning and undertaking a workplace project. An academic pathway has also been developed, in partnership with the University of Tasmania.>

The evaluation process involves participants completing an on-line survey before they attend the Foundation Course and repeating the survey nine months afterwards. Results indicate a statistically significant increase in self-esteem and social support. In addition, 40% of respondents have subsequently been engaged in a more senior position (on a permanent or temporary basis) and 21% have taken up the academic pathway.

These effects are being demonstrated in spite of the countervailing impact of significant organisational restructuring and downsizing in the sector. Participants are not displaying the stress, health issues and disengagement described in the ‘downsizing literature’. This suggests that the Program may be having a ‘prophylactic effect’ to the downsizing experience. In addition, it contributes to building resilience in this professional service community.