Wednesday, October 19, 2016
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT REMAINS VITAL TO AG SECTOR SUCCESS
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FOSTERING leadership talent and development remains vital to the future success of the agricultural sector, says Australian Rural Leadership Foundation chief executive Matt Linnegar.
Mr Linnegar, who will speak at the Rural Business Support Annual Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday, October 25, said attracting strong leadership was vital for the sector.
In his presentation he will explore a number of factors affecting change in the farm sector and what that might mean for farm leaders, as well as new ideas industry leaders can incorporate into their business to attract and retain skilled individuals.
"When you think of farm leadership, traditionally you think of farm bodies, and the positional heads of those organisations. They are still really important but what we’re seeing is more of a focus on the individual and the impact they can have via non-traditional communication channels such as social media. An individual now has more influence and power than ever before – the industry needs to use this to their advantage,” he said.
“There is also greater complexity in the sector, and these all affect changes in how we manage our workforce.
“What does it mean at the end of the day? And what does it mean for leaders? The pathways to leadership roles and influence, in comparison to what they were, have changed.
“We have to remember the farm sector goes beyond the farm, so while farm leadership is one element, the agribusiness and service sector is another.”
The Foundation recently developed the Australian Agribusiness Leadership Program to help address some of these challenges and opportunities.
The inaugural program was held for the first time this year, and was designed to explore leadership challenges and opportunities experienced by the Australian agribusiness sector – from inputs and the service sector to the farm gate, processing, food, finance and beyond.
Mr Linnegar will also talk about the need for investment in leadership development across the sector.
“Right across the sector there is a strong focus on building people’s skills and competencies. Leadership development is complementary to competency-based training but is not the same thing. With pathways to leadership changing, the need for investment is as important as ever,” he said.
Mr Linnegar said ARLF was the only national organisation devoted entirely to development of future leaders across the rural, regional and remote sector. The Foundation was created 24 years ago, and had more than 1000 graduates from its programs across many sectors including primary industries, health, indigenous communities, education, finance and banking, the environment and government.
Rural Business Support chief executive officer Brett Smith said the organisation were thrilled to have Mr Linnegar speak at the Rural Business Support Annual Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting.
“He has many years of experience in rural, agricultural and representative roles, and is a fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Program,” he said.
“He joined the Foundation in mid-2014 after a successful three-year period as CEO of the National Farmers' Federation. He brings almost 20 years in agricultural representation – including roles in irrigation, rice, and meat and livestock industries.
“We look forward to hearing his valuable insights on leadership in the agricultural sector.”
Details: The Rural Business Support Breakfast Stakeholder Meeting will be on Tuesday, October 25 at 7am, for a 7.30am start, at the Goyder Mezzanine, Adelaide Showgrounds, Wayville.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Contact Brett Smith, Rural Business Support, Chief Executive Officer, on 0412 630 015 or b.smith@ruralbusinesssupport.org.au
Matt Linnegar, Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, Chief Executive, on 02 6281 0680 or mattl@rural-leaders.com.au
For a high resolution photo of Brett Smith click here
For a photo of Matt Linnegar click here
To attend the Rural Business Support Annual Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting contact Belinda Bowring, Rural Business Support Executive Assistant and Board Secretary 08 8364 2577 or executiveassistant@ruralbusinesssupport.org.au
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