Executives learn about Army leadership

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 28 September 2018

UPDATED: 28 September 2018

Senior managers from organisations across Derbyshire spent a day learning more about Army leadership techniques and how these can be incorporated into their workplaces.

Exercise Executive Leader took place at Chetwynd Barracks on Thursday (26 September), the participants were introduced to the key components of Army Leadership before taking part in several tasks that enabled them to put what they learnt into practice before concluding with one final team challenge.

Lieutenant Colonel Matt Ketterer, the Commanding Officer of East Midlands Universities Officer Training Corps who organised the day, explained:

“This event provides an expose into Army Leadership and an opportunity for the executives to review leadership theory and explore best practice from both the military and civilian domain.

“It also highlights the practical skills that all members of the Army will develop whether Regular or Reserve and how they can be brought back and applied to the civilian workplace.”

A wide range of both public sector and private sector organisations from across the East Midlands took part in the event including Chemring Defence, Consortio Security, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, Whitehouse Construction, The University of Derby and Derbyshire County Council.

Alexandrea Charles, Head of Derby Management School at The University of Derby took part in the event. She explained:

“It has given me an excellent insight into the fundamental foundation of the Army, what they do but also the code by which they live which I think is transferable and applicable to any organisation.

“I respect the Army’s ethos and values, it was something I wanted to learn more about and see if it was transferable to an institution like the University of Derby. One thing I’ve realised is that the values within the Army have been there for decades and many organisations feel like they need to update their values but I think the Army shows they don’t.”

Amanda Wildgust who is Head of Employee Relations at Derbyshire Community Health Services Trust also participated in the exercise, she added:

“I have done quite a lot of work with reservists and my organisation is actively encouraging reservists and ex-service to come and work for the organisation so I wanted to understand more about the transferable skills and competencies they have.

“I would encourage anyone to take part in this kind of event because it’s not what you think it might be, it’s not about physical ability and it has been really enjoyable and useful.”

John Wilson, The Ministry of Defence’s Regional Employer Engagement Director, said:

“We are providing an insight into the types of training that members of the Armed Forces undertake and how these skills can provide a real benefit in the civilian workplace.

“We really value the understanding and support that these employers give to the Armed Forces Community and this event is our way of showing this appreciation.”

Steve Briggs who is a Logistics Manager at Chemring Defence also participated in the exercise, he added:

“I have been on a few corporate leadership courses before so it was interesting to see how the Army leadership skills are developed and how they interact with more corporate ideas.”

During the event participants took part in a number of tasks that required them to work together as a team including an obstacle course where they have to cooperate to succeed, a communications task where one member of the team must effectively communicate instructions to the rest and a final challenge that required them to put everything they had learnt into practice. They were then presented with certificates of achievement.

All of the organisations that took part have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and have earned a Silver Award or higher through the Employer Recognition Scheme.

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