Leadership from Warrnambool to Solomon Islands

I was a program participant on Course 12. Prior to attending I was introduced to Lyneve Whiting - a Course 10 participant. Lyneve has recently undergone a rough time with Gillain Barre syndrome - she is fighting back strongly however.

Lyneve and I became close friends down in Warrnambool - she is an amazingly strong woman and highly intelligent as well as being incredibly warm.

Lyneve introduced me to the use of the World Cafe concept - setting up forums in the format of a cafe to engage people and promote relaxed discussion on important issues. I have since used it on a number of occasions with great success.

I have also been working intermittently in the Solomon islands (for the past 3 years) in a capacity building project (Regional Aid Mission to the Solomon islands - RAMSI). This program is led by the police - something quite unique in community capacity building when you also have military and other arms of Government present.

I manage a 5 level leadership development program for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). It starts with an assessment centre process at the beginning of the year where we select participants for the programs for the coming year. We then run various programs during the year. We have been going for 5 years now.

I recently returned from the Solomons where I conducted the second module of the level 4 program with 25 middle level managers.

The managers were required to provide a presentation to the executive on the key strategic issues they saw facing the RSIPF in the next 10 years. As you would imagine, it can be quite daunting for managers to present to the executive - especially in the Melanesian culture where public speaking is uncomfortable. Well, we developed their public speaking skills but we also introduced the World Cafe concept to the Solomon islands! The participants hosted various members of the RSIPF executive on their tables... The members of the executive rotated around the syndicate tables whilst we provided them with tea, coffee and cakes (sorry no alcohol!).

The afternoon was a tremendous success and.... the idea originated in windy Warrnambool with Lyneve Whiting..... and - the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation reaches the most far flung places...

Paul O'Brien

Manager International Programs

Australian Institute of Police Management