Welcome to the June edition of Leading Edge.
As we prepare to enter a new IML Membership year, I am eager to share this month’s update about your Institute on behalf of your IML Board.
First of all I would like to thank all our Members who attended our first ever completely virtual Annual General Meeting last month. It was very encouraging to see so many Members attend the meeting despite the challenges that this extraordinary period brings. I’d also like to use this opportunity to farewell and thank the departing board members for their professional contribution and passion for IML ANZ. I’d also like to congratulate Marie-Louise Pearson FIML on her re-election.
I am extremely pleased to introduce the latest instalment of our Intentional Leadership series – Leadership Essentials. This program has been designed to be fully virtual and it is offered as a management and leadership toolkit that is aimed at developing the core (and essential) skills required for management success. By offering the program virtually, we’re opening the opportunity to managers and leaders across Australia and New Zealand. We have listened to IML ANZ’s growing number of professionals in regional centres who have indicated a need for more flexible learning options. Please visit our website for more information about the Essentials program, and I encourage you to direct colleagues, friends or anyone you think might need access to essential leadership skills development to this comprehensive new resource.
We are seeing increased Membership engagement in many areas of our business, despite or because of the current pandemic, which is encouraging as well as demonstrating the value of being part of this organisation.
As Chair of the IML ANZ Board and on behalf of the Institute I remain optimistic about the futures of both Australia and New Zealand as both countries emerge tentatively from their respective COVID-19 lockdowns.
My personal view is that Membership with IML ANZ has always been important, but arguably it is even more critical in times of crisis. The events that we have witnessed so far in 2020 have underscored the importance of belonging to a professional community of likeminded managers and leaders. At IML ANZ we believe that easy access to benefits such as one-to-one mentoring, complimentary webinars, extensive learning resources, and a wide variety of networking opportunities serve to reinforce our ability to lead well through tough times. Leadership matters, and its importance is only amplified when times are tough.
If you haven’t already, I invite you to renew your Membership with us so that we can continue to support you on your leadership journey. If you have questions or would like to talk to someone about your renewal, please feel free to get in touch with our dedicated Membership team on 1300 661 061 in Australia or 0508 465 269 in New Zealand.
Finally I would like to thank you for your commitment to the Institute and to the cause of sound management and leadership.
John Withers CMgr FIML
Chair of the Board