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Emerging Leaders Programme in Ireland: Elevate Your Career

Are you looking to elevate your leadership skills in Ireland? My name is Louise, and I’m a HR Advisor at Vodafone. After completing my studies at Trinity College Dublin and a postgraduate degree in Human Resource Management at DCU. While studying, I fell in love with the culture, the campus, and the vibrant community within DCU! With this realisation, upon graduation, I wanted to pursue all Alumni avenues available to continue my treasured relationship with DCU. That’s when I came across The Emerging Leaders Programme. Based in Dublin, this programme offers professionals across Ireland a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, network with peers, and grow as ethical, confident leaders in their organisations. Here’s how it helped me achieve a promotion and transform my career. 

Building Self-Awareness as a Leader 

The Emerging Leaders Programme offers professionals in various stages of their careers the coveted opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities, network with peers, learn from experienced leaders, avail of coaching and mentoring opportunities, and grow as prospective leaders in their respective organisations. 

So far, this unique programme has been a transformative experience, offering invaluable insights into effective leadership. One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the importance of self-awareness and personal development. The programme emphasises the need for leaders to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and values. As an introvert, it was deeply heartening to learn that leadership does not always require a dominant approach. You can lead a team by listening, understanding, and motivating in your own way. Through guided reflections, insight discoveries, and psychometric assessments, I gained a rich understanding of my leadership style and how it impacts my team. This self-awareness has enabled me to make more informed decisions and foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment. 

The Role of Mentorship in Leadership Growth 

One of the most impactful lessons is the value of mentorship and coaching. The programme provides numerous opportunities to connect with both a mentor and a coach to assist you in growing and developing as a future leader. These interactions have taught me how to become more assertive and vocal about my ambitions, to embrace change, and to embrace my preference of a people-oriented approach. Networking intentionally has helped me to leverage diverse perspectives and experiences, which has been instrumental in my growth as a leader. 

Why Ethical Leadership Matters in Modern Organisations 

Lastly, the programme has underscored the importance of ethical leadership. Through various case studies and discussions, I have learned that ethical leadership is about more than just adhering to rules; it's about setting a positive example and making decisions that reflect integrity and respect for others. This lesson has been particularly impactful, as it has reinforced the idea that true leadership involves guiding others with a strong moral compass and a commitment to doing what is right, even in challenging situations. 

Overall, the Emerging Leaders Programme has equipped me with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of leadership with confidence and integrity. These lessons in self-awareness, networking, and ethical leadership will undoubtedly continue to shape my approach to leading others in the future. I cannot recommend this programme enough; it has helped me achieve a promotion at work and has made my colleagues aware of my desire to climb to new heights in the business!