In 2012, collaboration between Waikato District Health Board and Wintec saw the development of a leadership enabling programme for emerging midwifery leaders. It was anticipated that by developing leadership skills, individuals’ clinical practice would be enhanced, as well as the potential for a broader influence on midwifery education, policy and wider practice. As well as exploring the big picture participants undertook exercises to gain an increased understanding of themselves and their impact on others. The programme sought to build participants capacity to enhance professional relationships and to reinforce the need to nurture themselves in order to nurture others.
The programme was conducted over six sessions in six months. These sessions were face to face workshops. The programme included pre reading on topics such as conflict, change, and leadership styles in preparation for each session. The participants were expected to submit reflections and work with a mentor to support their on-going development. Upon completion the programme was externally evaluated.
This presentation will describe the journey of this programme from conception through to delivery. We will discuss the content and philosophical underpinnings of the programme. We will share the outcomes from the evaluation and recommendations for the future.