Written by Andrew Toop, Counties Power
I drove into Rydges Formosa Golf Resort where Retreat One of The NZ Leadership Programme was held. On a warm evening and after parking and unpacking, I entered the resort and joined the 2021 Class participants. There was a positive atmosphere with participants already acquainted with each other through a previous online retreat. This provided a positive atmosphere warmth continued for the full retreat. That evening, I attended The NZ Leadership Programme Launch where guest speakers spoke from the heart about issues of culture and struggle that were enlightening.
Over the following days, Programme Director Louise Marra provided a comfortable atmosphere, which was combined with short periods of mediation, as we discuss topics of cultural awareness, high level conceptual structures of self-awareness and social bonding. Feedback, including pushback, on points raised were well received by Louise and discussed.
This atmosphere was accompanied by participation that pushed my social boundaries of how I interact with people and my understand of the perspectives of others from very different social and cultural backgrounds to myself. This was through a number of mechanisms including personalised conversations to provide introspective understanding of both yourself and the other participants.
This pushed social norms about what you discuss with people and especially people that you have only recently got to know. In addition, there were group activities that were light-hearted and entertaining. I found that this process created strong bonds amongst the group because people quickly understood their fellow class members.
Added to this mix was the discussion from guest speakers - Alumni who spoke very openly and honestly. In particular, Sir Bob Harvey gave an entertaining talk about his life as Mayor of the former Waitakere City Council and Dr. Karlo Mila provided insight into poetry - its meaning and how to write it. This is something that I had not undertaken since high school.
Added to our Retreat was The Mana Moana Experience whose participants were at Rydges at the same time. I was lucky to be able to meet leaders from this class over lunch and breakfast and, in this positive atmosphere, able to engage in open discussions. The class interaction culminated in a formal kava ceremony that involved all the class participants.
Driving out of the resort, I felt that I needed to process the experience, as I was unclear as to what it quite meant, but aware that my personal viewpoint and boundaries had been expanded. On reflection, I am uncertain as to whether this makes for better leadership. However, I am certain that it makes for better understanding of yourself and others - people whom I would normally never get to know, especially about their fundamental beliefs and life perspective (including motivations, culture and what is important to them).
Did Andrew’s story resonate with you? This is one of many courageous, enriching and impactful journeys on The NZ Leadership Programme.
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