February 2009 Industry Connection >>

Management versus leadership

The distinctions between management and leadership are significant and long-debated, and have meant that organisations seeking to upskill employees' capabilities have often needed to contract two separate providers in order to get expertise across both areas.

Peter Dunn, ACT Manager of global leadership expert Hay Group explains why this is the case:

"Management training has been consistently dominated by accredited, academic training providers, whereas leadership expertise has come most successfully from private providers. It is rare to find a training provider who can undertake both specialties at the highest of standards."

While the debate continues to rage among the business community about exactly how to differentiate management from leadership, CIT has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hay Group that offers a solution. In a move that allows both organisations to play to their strengths, these two specialist business areas are now being delivered in a single collaborative training program.

"In an environment where clients expect a whole package of services, but also want the expertise of a specialist, a partnership of this kind is an incredible way of meeting industry expectations", said Dunn.

The first to experience this collaborative training will be the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), who have already undergone a cohesive and industry-driven pilot training program, and will train three additional groups of sixteen employees during 2009.

"The training Hay Group and CIT are delivering to TGA combines Hay Group's evidence-based leadership expertise with CIT's extensive experience in the delivery of high-standard management technique", said Dunn.

"It is also nationally accredited and recognises existing work pressures facing leaders and managers by offering a level of flexibility that is second to none."

TGA is undertaking this Manager Development Program in order to support the long term development of TGA managerial and team leadership work practices.

"The content of the Manager Development Program has been carefully aligned with TGA's corporate capability goals, and will include key content areas such as team leadership, performance and change management, strategic planning and financial and industry awareness", said  Ian Stehlik, TGA's Director, Capability Development.

"The program will provide practical, long-term development for current and future TGA managers. At the completion of the training, all TGA Section Heads will have participated in the Manager Development Program."

CIT Chief Executive Dr Colin Adrian is delighted with the development of such a collaborative partnership. "CIT actively seeks partnerships of this kind as they are an effective way for the Institute to offer industry-standard best practice training, carefully crafted for the needs of each business."

Programs of this nature also provide industry participants with the opportunity to gain nationally accredited qualifications whilst upskilling.