Developing Leaders: A Journey of Transformation in Australia’s Only Cross-Border Health Service
At Acacia Connection, we understand the vital importance leaders and managers play in building resilience, creating mentally healthy workplaces, and maintaining the welfare of their staff. We’re committed to developing leaders within global workplaces.
In our March webinar, “Developing Leaders: A Journey of Transformation in Australia’s Only Cross-Border Health Service,” we explored the unique challenges and leadership strategies within Albury Wodonga Health, Australia’s only cross-border health service. Paula Sutherland, Director of Health and Safety, People and Culture, shared key insights on the leadership attributes that drive success in a complex healthcare environment.
What Defines an Effective Leader?
At Albury Wodonga Health, leadership goes beyond clinical expertise. Leaders must possess a diverse skill set that balances business acumen, strategic thinking, and people management. Paula outlined five key domains that shape effective leadership:
1. Business Enablers
Successful leaders understand the bigger picture – how governance, compliance, and financial management impact organisational success. They also play a vital role in managing culture, change, and consumer experience.
2. Achieving Outcomes
Leaders must be forward-thinking and results-driven. Critical thinking, strategic planning, and innovation are key to ensuring healthcare services evolve to meet future challenges.
3. Developing and Leading Others
Strong leadership is about investing in people. Encouraging personal growth, mentoring emerging leaders, and fostering expertise ensures a thriving workplace culture.
4. Creating Connection and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration are at the heart of strong leadership. The ability to build relationships, embrace diversity, and work collectively drives organisational success.
5. Future Focus
Leaders must anticipate change, navigate challenges, and continuously improve processes to sustain long-term success. Building capability and prioritising sustainability ensures resilience in any evolving industry.
Assessing Leadership Behaviour at Albury Wodonga Health
As Paula explained in the webinar, leadership at Albury Wodonga Health is not one-size-fits-all. Employees assess their leadership behaviours based on their role, whether they are leading themselves, managing teams, guiding leaders, or influencing the broader organisation. This reflective approach ensures leadership development is tailored and aligned with organisational needs.
As workplaces continue to evolve, investing in leadership as a skillset is essential for building high-performing, resilient teams.
The Acacia Way
At Acacia Connection, we understand that every organisation is unique. If you’re looking to strengthen leadership within your organisation, Acacia Connection provides tailored solutions to support your people through every stage of their leadership journey.
