Women’s Leadership Shadowing Program 2010

The Women's Leadership Shadowing Program aims to enhance the leadership capabilities of individual women and to assist the University in moving towards a more gender inclusive management structure.  The next program will run in 2010.

Program Aims

• To enhance understanding of the structure of Monash University, including its management structure;
• To increase knowledge of the broader environment within which Monash University operates and the strategic management issues addressed by senior management;
• To develop leadership capabilities by exposure to senior management personnel and their decision-making processes;
• To raise the profile of participants amongst senior management;
• To increase the confidence of participants in operating at senior decision-making levels;
• To provide enhanced networking opportunities between participants, and between participants and members of the senior management team.

Program Target Group

Women from Academic Level D (Associate Professor) and above, and HEW Level 10 and above are invited to apply for one of 12 positions in the 2010 program.

Program Components

Component 1: Shadowing

Each participant will be matched with a member of the senior management team and required to shadow them for a total of 6 half days, observing them in a range of activities. Members of the University's Senior Management Committee, including the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Deans and Divisional Directors will be approached and invited to participate in the shadowing program as a 'leader in action'.

It is anticipated that as a shadower, you will:

• Attend committee meetings with your 'leader in action' to observe proceedings and learn about the decision-making processes that occur at Monash;
• Sit in on smaller meetings with your 'leader in action' and members of their staff team to learn about different management/leadership styles;
• Accompany your 'leader in action' when they visit other areas of the University to gain a greater understanding of the structure of the University.
• Accompany your 'leader in action' when they attend non-University meetings and events to gain a greater understanding of how Monash leaders operate within the broader community.

It is anticipated that 'leaders in action' will:

• Invite their shadower to accompany them to a range of meetings and events, including senior level meetings.
• Introduce their shadower to colleagues, particularly other members of the senior management team;
• Provide some explanation of the way they work (e.g. the ways in which they manage technology, prioritise tasks, delegate jobs, manage relationships)
• Allocate a small amount of time for discussion following each shadowing experience.

Meetings attended by shadowers in the 2008 Women's Leadership Shadowing Program included:

The time and content of the shadowing sessions will be negotiated between the shadower and their designated 'leader in action'.

Component 2: Women in Leadership Praxis Group

Shadows will be required to attend an Introductory Session (to which their designated leader in action will also be invited). Shadows will then need to attend a minimum of 5 Women in Leadership Praxis Group meetings (out of a total of 6 scheduled). At the praxis meetings, shadows will share experiences, successes and challenges from their daily professional work. They will also explore possible strategies and skills that can then be applied in the real world to accomplish changed outcomes. A reflective process in the group will provide opportunities for self and group evaluation based on actual outcomes and the individual requirements of the shadowers.

The Women in Leadership Praxis Group meetings will be led by Ms Linda Betts, director and principal consultant with Linda Betts and Associates, a company specialising in organisational cultural analysis, mentoring and coaching programs. Linda has significant experience in providing tailored programs for a number of large, multi-site organisations including universities, and facilitates the Monash University Mentoring Scheme for Women.

Selection Criteria

Selection will be aimed at obtaining a balance of academic and general staff and a cross-section of staff in terms of faculties, divisions and campuses.

A selection panel with evaluate each of the applications based on the following information from each applicant:

• Evidence of previous leadership/management experience demonstrating leadership potential;
• Statement of purpose and interest in participating in the program; and
• Statement of benefit to current work area, potential work areas and to themselves.

Applicants will need to:

• Have their application endorsed by Dean, Head of Department or relevant supervisor.
• Demonstrate an ability to commit to the requirements of the program.

To register your interest, please contact

Barbara Dalton
Coordinator
Women's Leadership & Advancement Scheme
Equity and Diversity Centre
Student and Community Services Division
PH: (03) 9902 0246
barbara.dalton@adm.monash.edu.au