SES Program
OVERVIEW
Senior Executive Leadership Conversations is a six-session program for SES Band 1 and equivalent leaders from across the public sector in the ACT.
Based on the foundational thread of ‘‘What does it mean to be a high-performing public sector leader in a highly-dynamic, evolving context?’ the program is framed around challenges facing public administration, and the ongoing attributes and mindset required for excellence in the light of these challenges.
Each of the six sessions focuses on the craft of leading in a complex, volatile environment where specialist expertise alone will not suffice, and where harnessing the experience of colleagues, teams and stakeholders will be increasingly necessary.
"The program fosters authentic leadership, curiosity and intellectual insight, while supporting participants to build networks and deepen relationships across the sector."
FORMAT
Sessions are comprised of two parts:
Masterclass
They begin with a Masterclass, delivered by leading experts and practitioners from within and outside the public sector, who examine pressing challenges facing public administration. This component includes audience engagement and sharing of experiences.
Mastermind
They then move to a Mastermind component, consisting of a series of facilitated small group sessions. These are based around open discussion of shared challenges, in a supportive and collegiate forum. Facilitators guide each group as they dive deep into discussions, and encourage participants to articulate what success looks like for them.
PARTICIPANT PROFILE AND REGISTRATION
This program is for SES Band 1 and equivalent leaders in the Commonwealth and ACT Public Service. Participants must be current corporate members of IPAA ACT. Participation is driven by a nomination process. Numbers are capped at 40 participants for the program.
DELIVERY
The program is being delivered by IPAA ACT in partnership with KPMG, with all six sessions delivered face-to-face at KPMG’s Constitution Place offices in Canberra City. The 2023 Program is being held between April and September 2023. Should COVID restrictions or other circumstances necessitate, the delivery schedule will be amended accordingly.
PROGRAM SYNOPSIS
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SESSION 1 |
Explore the skills, attributes and dispositions SES need to flourish. Two agency heads will first illustrate their over-the-horizon view of an ever-changing public sector. This will feed conversations on how to lead through increasing levels of ambiguity, and how to navigate complexity and be effective public sector leaders in this context. |
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SESSION 2 |
This is a conversation on the sensitivities of advising government on our increasingly complex geopolitical environment. This session will explore insights in the ‘dark arts’ of national security, and consider the increasing impact it will have on domestic policy and implementation. |
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SESSION 3 |
This session examines the art of influencing for impact in the public sphere. The conversation will be framed around trust, misinformation and disinformation, and will explore how to shape the narrative for positive results. |
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SESSION 4 |
Today, every leadership role involves—or will involve—a digital element. What leadership skills are needed for greater digital takeup and innovation? What lessons will help us to anticipate and get ahead of the digital curve, rather than simply respond? This session will include innovation and risk lessons taken from the private sector and those who have skin in the game. |
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SESSION 5 |
Looking at what will make a great leader in 2033, our panel will reflect on navigating political and economic cycles, managing yourself and your career for the long haul and how to navigate integrity and steward the system. |
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SESSION 6 |
For this final session, participants will be invited to share personal leadership challenges for group consideration, and provide reflections and recap outcomes from the program. The session will conclude with informal networking and the opportunity to celebrate program achievements. |
For information about the program contact IPAA ACT's Capability team.
Produced in partnership with
Partners
Tier 1 corporate partners
Tier 2 corporate partners
Digital content partner
In-kind partners
