Qualities of a good leader

One of the key aspects of the recent Graduate Trainee visit to Bavaria was identifying the qualities of a good leader. We were asked to identify the top five leadership qualities that we had observed in others, giving specific examples of when they had seen these in practice. The range of qualities identified was both comprehensive and enlightening, ranging from the ability to remain calm under pressure, to providing vision and direction to a team.









The tasks we were presented with provided ample opportunity to put these 'ideal' leadership skills to work. The protective environment of the Carnegie Alpenrose, alongside the fantastic support of the My Peak Potential team, provided the perfect backdrop for this. A key aim was to allow individuals the opportunity to reflect on how they might take what they had learned and observed back to their working environment. A highlight for me was the personal support shown across the group throughout each task or activity. As our students graduate this week they experience a different but equally poignant sense of community spirit. It was a privilege to be a part of this residential and I hope our graduating students will embrace many opportunities following receipt of their awards.

Paul TyrerHuman Resources

Leadership and Management Programme

In May I visited the beautiful Alpenrose facility in Bavaria. The trip was part of the Leadership and Management programme and proved to be an excellent finale to the group experience of the programme. The surroundings of Bavaria proved uplifting, with the striking Alpine scenes inspirational and each day presenting another aspect of natural beauty to wonder at. We were welcomed warmly by the staff of My Peak Potential, the University partner operating the Alpenrose facility and throughout the whole experience their friendly and gentle support proved invaluable in coaching us through fairly challenging tasks.

Though based in different areas of the University we soon formed a strong and supportive team, reducing the potential anxiety of the challenges of the experience greatly and it is this that must be the most important learning point of the trip for me. We all have tough jobs to do but with the considerate support of colleagues the burden is shared, the outcomes improved and the experience positive. The tasks we undertook all had a physical aspect and this made the excellent cooking of the chef Herbert Muller even more inviting, with his traditional dishes proving supremely wholesome and universally loved by the group!

Lawrence Bellamy - Faculty of Business and Law