The final day of Fórsa’s Leadership Programme training took place in Nerney’s Court on Thursday 23rd January. Launched last year, the course consisted of six days spread out over October to January.   

Participants from across the union, not only learned about concepts of leadership, but were invited to engage with their own ideas of what makes a good leader.  

The programme is the brainchild of Fiona Dunne, Fórsa’s Director of Membership Training & Development. “We have been building a whole suite of training courses and programmes to enable our members to excel in their roles within the union” she explained. “We developed the leadership programme because leadership is a skill that is crucial to the success of the union.” 

Over six days, members learned about different leadership styles, the dos and don’ts of planning as a leader, effective time management, team development, and strategic thinking and planning. The programme also focused on building participants’ confidence and resilience while equipping them with the tools needed to handle leadership responsibilities. 

Among those taking part on the day were the winners of the inaugural Fórsa Members’ National Awards which were presented at a fringe event during Biennial Conference last year.  

Fiona said, “The winners of the awards last year are already doing exemplary work as leaders in our union. If we foster their talents, by providing additional training, we can help them become the kind of leaders they want to be.” 

Winner of the outstanding pandemic response champion award, Christina Nestor said, “I found the course very valuable. Meeting other members from other branches with vast experience in union work and in their professional lives was very inspiring. The knowledge, skill, and dedication that they possess is fantastic.” 

She continued “I found the training to be uplifting and refreshing, providing opportunities for learning, reflecting on my leadership style, what is working and what I need to do different.” 

Organising award winner, Caoimhín Ó Tuathail reiterated the value of putting thought into being a leader, saying: “The leadership programme shows you what the actual role of a leader is. It gets you to look inside and see what kind of a leader you are and what you need to become the kind of leader you want to be.” 

“Leading isn’t just standing out in the front” he explained, “a leader is not just a leader. They are someone who brings others along who can become leaders in the future.” 

A feedback session will be held in May where participants will discuss how the programme has helped in their union work and if there is anything they feel is missing. The training was provided by Fabia Gavin, who regularly works with unions on training programmes. 

Concluding on the importance of this kind of training Fiona said: “Our aim is always to help members enhance the work they’re already doing by providing them with skills to take their activism to the next level. The participants on this programme were so impressive, they really inspired us to further build this programme. Watch this space!”  

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