Over a series of 7 leadership adventures from Jul-Oct 2023, Alicia Yah, our Head of English Curriculum and Professional Development was given several opportunities to develop relevant knowledge and skills to be a better leader in the industry.
Alicia was one of the 14 who were selected for the fully funded Principal Matters Plus, an executive professional development programme for early childhood (EC) leaders who lead a cluster of centres and/or manage large operations. Leaders were involved in exciting workshops, talks, interactions with local leaders, mentoring experiences and even an overseas trip!
“Going into the course, I was expecting to build a strong network with people in the same industry. Through the networking, we can also understand how different organisations in the industry work through the sharing of good practices,” Alicia shared.
The focus of the course was for them to experience and value self-reflection and mindfulness, as well as openness to risk, discovery and uncertainty. It also allowed them to acquire leadership knowledge, skills and tools that can enable them to navigate the tensions associated with early childhood education. The topics explored were leadership, community, educational institution and business.
For one of the team projects, the topic was about shaping positive work culture in an EC setting. Alicia’s team decided to make a video on our LOT Bukit Batok Centre to show an example of a place which thrives due to the positive work culture, where voices are heard, there is effective communication and collaboration and supportive leadership. Take a look below to hear from our staff!
At Bukit Batok Centre, there is supportive leadership that encourages effective communication and collaboration, constant growth, and ensures that all voices are heard.
The most memorable session was undoubtedly the 10-day overseas learning trip to New Zealand, Christchurch. Participants got a chance to have dialogue sessions with people from the business sector, volunteer organisations, educational institutions and more. They were also intentionally brought out of their comfort zones into a place with a different culture, different environment and put in situations where their leadership and teamwork was put to the test.
Alicia recounted, “There was one incident during the trip where we had to abandon our original agenda and goals due to some changes. We had to decide whether we want to go ahead with the agenda which would split the team up, or to put aside the agenda to keep the team together. We decided to keep the team together!”
The main takeaways that Alicia received from the course encompasses values that helps refresh her perspectives of leadership. To begin, a conscious decision of self-care plays a huge role towards any individual’s well-being. Having protected time set aside to reconnect with one’s emotions and physical self allows introspection on our actions, thus allowing leaders to make calculated and beneficial decisions instead of being reactive.
Next, leaders need to have clarity on their purpose so they can be intentional in their connections and actions, and importantly to stay focused and on course. Finally, Alicia was reminded that being a leader is not about oneself but always about the people. She shared, “How we develop the people is our responsibility as leaders. As leaders, it is an opportunity to empower others, support and ask good questions. We build relationships with so that we can journey together on the long road."
“How we develop the people is our responsibility as leaders. As leaders, it is an opportunity to empower others, support and ask good questions. We build relationships with so that we can journey together on the long road."
Indeed, leadership is about caring for people, walking alongside them and bringing them with you on a shared journey. Our leaders have always put their people first and will continue to do so!