Wahine Toa Leadership
Women in Sports Leadership Programme
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Women in Sports Leadership Programme
In 2017, the New Zealand Olympic Committee launched the Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme (formerly known as WSLA) to assist female athletes from the NZ Team in transitioning from competitive sports to leadership roles, while also connecting them with a global network of women leaders in sports.
This programme offers a distinctive learning environment where participants can enhance their confidence and leadership skills through four workshops. It is available to New Zealand female Olympians, Paralympians, and Commonwealth Games athletes who have retired from international competition and are interested in developing their leadership abilities.
The programme is part of an international initiative that has been running since 2014. The New Zealand Olympic Committee have now held three programmes with 52 graduates.
Below are the Special Projects that provide participants with a deeper "insider perspective" on the sport and recreation system. You can also read about the Programme Outcomes, Content, Principles, and watch a brief video showcasing the programme.
The Programme is part of an international network that has been delivering programmes since 2014 involving more than 42 countries becoming members of the global network of female leaders in sport.
By the end of the programme the women will have:
Further developed confidence and competence in a range of leadership behaviours
Produced a Personal Development Plan with clear goals
Developed career strategies
Participated in regular networking
Greater self-awareness
Access to mentoring
Better knowledge and understanding of the women and sport movement in NZ and globally
Applicants for the programme are retired or retiring female athletes who:
have attended an Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games
are identified as current or aspiring leaders in their organisations with a commitment to pursue a leadership pathway
are committed to making a difference and enhancing opportunities for women and girls in and through sport
demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development
The programme focuses on various leadership principles and behaviours that research shows to be critical to facilitating great leadership.
Self and leadership - Leadership starts with self; understanding how you have been influenced; knowing self and being prepared to grow self.
Leadership as an influence relationship - Appreciate leadership as an influence relationship. Valuing emotional and cultural intelligence in leadership.
Collaborate within teams - Leadership is about teamwork – working with and through others to deliver.
Navigate complexities within teams - Effective and efficient teams need multiple contributions to leadership and a balance of capabilities.
Leadership and empowering collective change - To serve communities effectively we need to understand how a collective lens toward leadership can empower community contribution.
Navigate complexities and interconnectedness within relationships and communities - People and communities are complex. Appreciating interconnectedness and systems perspectives in leadership will aid the navigation of complexity
We know that investing in women is of the utmost importance and that time and money spent in learning and development has to pay off. We fully recognise that changes in behaviour have to be embedded and sustained over time and ensuring that individuals take responsibility for their own self-sustained learning is at the heart of everything we do.
The following principles will guide all the activities:
The programme will be facilitative rather than prescriptive allowing the women to focus on self-sustained learning
Participants will be supported to take ownership of, and responsibility for, their own learning
We will create a safe working environment and nurture a sense of collegiality and trust among the women
We will develop a set of shared values to encourage reciprocity, mutuality and respect for differences and diversity
We believe that a flexible approach to meet the diverse needs of specific groups, individuals, and cultures is essential
We draw on a variety of theories, ideas, opinions, and approaches in order to develop learning that ‘sticks’ and are innovative and creative in our approach
The activities will be learner-centred and highly participative using discussion, small/syndicate groups, role plays and scenarios/case studies
Evaluation of the Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme will take place throughout the programme and will continue post-event, when the participants have returned to their work place.
Residential Workshops
Workshops are an integral part of the learning process and will be designed to meet the needs of the learners. Each workshop provides clear learning outcomes and is tailored to maximise learning; they are challenging, constructive and highly interactive. Workshop dates are set well in advance and include four two-day sessions; attendance at all workshops and events is critical to maximise learning.
Personal Development Plans
The participants develop their own Personal Development Plan setting goals on leadership behaviours, career strategies, future opportunities and to consolidate learning. Mentors will assist the women to revise their Personal Development Plans and help them monitor their progress.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a vital element allowing the participants to learn from their mentor's experiences, have a sounding board and to gain additional support to achieve their goals. Each participant will build a strong relationship with one generic Mentor and other technical mentors may be used as required.
Peer support groups
This element focuses on peer support and providing opportunities for the women to define, frame and communicate their key challenges and receive support from their colleagues. The sessions allow the women to have time to reflect on their experiences and to explore ways of doings things differently.
Physical activities
A range of physical activities will be designed to indulge our love of sport, to live our principle of an active lifestyle, to provide a physical challenge, to promote team-building, and have fun!
Guest speakers
Guest speakers attend various programme workshops to inspire the women and share their experiences. They will identify what leadership means to them, what motivates and challenges them and will provide top tips for the women
Networks
Membership of a New Zealand network of Wāhine Toa Leadership Alumni and other women leaders in sport.
The Programme participants work in small groups outside of the formal sessions to further enhance their learning on Special Project Areas.
The projects are substantive and of direct relevance to the sector, and particularly issues relating to women in sport. The projects have been designed for maximum learning on several levels including working as a team and individually.
A Special Project Advisor is appointed to each group, bringing knowledge and expertise in the area, and to ask challenging questions of the individuals and group.
Wāhine Toa Programme Contact details
Cathleen Bias
Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme Manager
Email: cathleen@olympic.org.nz
Phone: 021-905-396