Training tomorrow's leaders

Companies and individuals looking to build their skills look to Mohawk College Enterprise (MCE), offering training programs focused on preparing people and companies with the skills and expertise required to succeed in today’s fast-paced world.

Their signature program, Future Ready Leadership, in its sixth year, has trained over 500 graduates through sessions across the province including 29 municipalities and many private companies.

Currently County of Brant employees, which have been participating in the Future Ready Leadership program since 2013, had the opportunity to listen to and ask questions of experienced community leaders and hear their views on leadership.

“Leadership is the highest calling you can have,” said panelist Vincent Isber, past regional vice-president of the Greater Hamilton Market, RBC. “Leadership in the past was one dimensional; leaders had all the answers. The best leaders today have the best questions. They engage people at all levels within and outside of their organization.”

Isber, who is now on faculty at Mohawk College’s McKeil School of Business, was joined on the panel by; Kelly Isfan, president and CEO, Norfolk General Hospital; Michael Bradley, general manager of operations and deputy CAO for the County of Brant; and Kathy Weidhaas, manager of human resources, Brant County Health Unit.

Isber pointed out that leadership requires practise and leaders should always find opportunities to continue learning.

The forum was part of the Future Ready Leadership program, which consists of eight customized leadership training courses delivered one day per month over eight months. The highly interactive program is developed for emerging and existing leaders with sessions covering topics including working with teams, diversity in the workplace, leadership styles, coaching and managing change.

Bradley says the county has seen the benefits for employees in the program.

“It is a great way to motivate junior employees who aspire to leadership positions,” he said. “And to prepare them with the tools to face the challenges of leadership as they go forward.”

Mohawk College Enterprise (MCE) prepares people and companies with the skills and expertise required to succeed in today’s fast-paced world. Through expert trainers, MCE provides training with the latest techniques and technology. Its Future Ready Leadership Program covers topics including the power of teams, coaching communication skills and managing change.

Customized programs are available for organizations with ten or more people to train. Open seat sessions are offered once a year for individual or small group participants. For information, visit www.mcecor.com.