26 Flexible Training Activities for Developing Successful Leaders.
By Bernard Wynne and Jenny Hill.
Echelon, 2000. A4 ringbinder.
ISBN 1 901600 11 4.

Another well-produced activity resource for this very competitive market. The resource contains 26 activities that can be used in training programs for leadership training at all levels, whether leaders of work groups, projects or teams. The activities have a consistent format of purpose; timing; materials needed; instructions and all briefs, activity sheets and checklists for running the activity successfully.

The range of activities includes old favourites, old favourites re-formed and new versions of tried and trusted situations. Many of the activities are dealt with in a novel and interesting way and offer stimulating alternatives to similar activities found in other collections. A typical novel approach is the first activity. This is an introductory activity that encourages learners, whether in a training group or undertaking self-development to define the specific outcomes they seek from a training event or self-development program. It works on a well-established format of a position quadrant in which Need is plotted against Willingness, to identify preferences for the ‘Vacationer’, the ‘Apostle’, the ‘Hostage’ or the ‘Truant’.

The activities are arranged in four sections around four key leadership capabilities, each section starting with an introductory activity. The sections are the leader as Champion of Vision and Direction; Communicator; Developer of Talent; and Managing Self and Leading Others. The subjects of the activities themselves include style; leadership roles; communication; charisma; trust; delegation; mentoring; coaching; and so on.

A worthy resource collection for the trainer’s practical library.

Leslie Rae
February 2000