Creating positive and lasting change takes more than just a big dream, determination and ample resources. It takes a good leader. Social change leaders who know what they’re doing, how to mobilise the team to do it and how to ask for help, are the leaders who create lasting change in communities all over the world. In times of crisis, good leadership has never been more imperative. It is good leaders who will carry teams, communities and nations into a place of security and safety.

Leading change of any kind means you will need to interact with others. Understanding where your strengths and weaknesses are is just as important for a leader of social change as it is for the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Emotional intelligence, communication skills, strategic planning and instilling your mission and vision are the skills that will take you far.

How does investing in your own development really help?

Allows you to increase your impact

No one wants their dream to stall. It’s disheartening and, ultimately, prevents you from maximising your social impact. By investing in personal growth, you can form a deeper understanding of the road blocks that are preventing you from growing or influencing a larger number of people.

Gives you transferable skills

If all goes to plan, you will be successful in creating real social change. So, when you’re ready to move on, you can do so with the knowledge that you have the ability to take your leadership with you and into another organisation.

Positions you to help emerging leaders

You aren’t the first person to have a big vision for the future and you won’t be the last. Your success, built on the back of your dream, determination and personal development, will be a beacon for emerging leaders as they look to equip themselves for creating change.

Where should I go for leadership development?

Books, podcasts and videos

There are hundreds of books, podcasts and YouTube videos out there about leadership. Each conversation, or teacher, or consultant, will appeal to different leaders at different times. It is important to be digesting content frequently so that you can continually learn and develop greater self-awareness.

Events

There are plenty of events across Australia that are designed to equip you with better leadership skills. Not only are events a great opportunity to learn new skills, but it’s a great opportunity to network with those working in your industry or beyond.

Mentors

It’s not always easy to see the next step forward. Mentorship puts you in touch with those who have gone on the entrepreneurship journey before you, have made their own mistakes and have plenty of knowledge to share with you as they guide you through your own journey. They have real experience that they’re willing to share and they’re invaluable.

Westpac Social Change Fellowship

Of course, leaders in the social impact space are often short on the two resources needed to invest in their own development – time and money. That’s where the Westpac Social Change Fellowship comes in. With 10 Fellowships each valued up to $50,000, Westpac Scholars Trust are committing to investing in your development so you can create real change that impacts generations to come. Find out more here.