Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme

By PHILIPPA STEVENSON

The course: The year-long Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme will be offered for the 21st time next year after it began at Lincoln University in 1979. It is one of about 20 similar programmes worldwide launched initially with grants from America's Kellogg Foundation.

The course - from January 24 to November 25 - is for rural people and those providing services for rural society. Graduates join an exclusive group of "Kelloggers", many of whom are in influential positions in agribusiness here and overseas.

It is designed for working people and has three phases - a 10-day residential course at Lincoln next year from January 24; a project done at home; and three days at Lincoln and four in Wellington from November 20 to 25.

The first and third phases are full, structured study days while project time depends on individuals.

At Lincoln, students focus on the knowledge and skills that enhance leadership, including confidence to lead, and understanding the role of key institutions in the rural economy.

They study communication and human-relation skills, decision making, negotiation and critical thinking. Students build awareness of economic and social issues, an understanding of the political process, personal efficiency, accessing information, researching a topic and writing a report.

Over the year they research their chosen topic and present it at the November workshop. Topics in recent years have included the reality of dairy farming careers, the development of Maori land, and an examination of local government powers.

The projects are presented and critiqued at Lincoln before students spend three days in Wellington studying the mechanism of government, the political process and interviewing chief executives and other industry leaders about their leadership styles.

The programme is for personal development and has no formal assessment, but students are reviewed and get feedback from fellow participants, individual presenters, invited speakers and the programme director. Student projects can be assessed and the full year programme may qualify as one paper credit for a Masters of Professional Studies at Lincoln University.

Each year the course is open to 24 students who are chosen by a selection committee after demonstrating leadership potential and a willingness to assume responsibility in public and rural affairs.

Applicants can apply as individuals or be nominated by any organisation involved in rural affairs such as the Primary Industry Council, provincial districts of Federated Farmers or school boards.

Students or their nominating organisations pay for living expenses in Canterbury and Wellington, and project and travel costs to and from Lincoln, Canterbury and Wellington. Depending on where they live, this can be about $3000.

Most Kelloggers take on leadership roles in their communities or business. The list of more than 400 Kelloggers includes leaders in politics, big business, leading rural institutions, school and company boards here and overseas.

Applications for next year's course close on November 5.

What students think

Sally Hobson, 35

Tectra northern North Island regional manager

Cambridge

Graduate 2001

I was aware of the Kellogg programme and was thinking about taking it when a work colleague at the Hawkes Bay Regional Council, who had done it, also mentioned it to me. I'd been involved in Young Farmers, and the rural industry is my passion.

I thought the programme would be another string to my bow. I nominated myself. At first, I felt out of my depth at the 10-day block course because I was from the council and all the others were talking about the rural industry. But I realised we were from all sorts of industries and it was good to get a wide range of perspectives.

We got access to speakers that we'd never normally have. It was very enlightening to talk candidly to chief executives of major companies. My project on the factors limiting sheep production in the upper North Island led to my current job. One of the biggest benefits is the network you build up among your fellow students.

I'd recommend it for any farmer with aspirations in the rural community. It builds confidence and contacts, and is certainly good for your CV.

What employers think

Lew Willoughby

Tectra national regions manager


Sally was already a capable person but I've seen the difference since she's done the course. It's increased her confidence. Because of it she's done some work for us on human resource development - putting the acid on our team - plus some outside project work.

I have known farmers who've done the course and they find it invaluable for building up networks of similarly minded people. It's like an Outward Bound course for the mind. It builds bonds and challenges them mentally.

The qualification

Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme

Lincoln University

Christchurch

Contact: Professional Development Group

Ph: 03 325-3628