Building a Community of Leaders: Research and Development of A Program to Train Seniors as Empowering Leaders

Authors

  • Sandra Cusack Research Associate, Educational Gerontology
  • Wendy Thompson Simon Fraser University at Harbour Center

Abstract

The Leadership for the 90's project trained senior volunteer leaders committed to the concept of "shared-servant" leadership (as outlined in the training manual Flying High [Thompson & Cusack, 1990]) to facilitate the development of their peers as leaders in a 3,000 member association. A method of case study provides an in-depth understanding of the research and development of the training program and the model that emerged. Twenty-one people, aged 52 to 75 years (average 64), participated in a 10-month program. Results of self-assessments support anecdotal evidence of significant improvement in conducting an effective meeting, communicating ideas clearly, the feeling of being heard, general confidence in a group, confidence in speaking to a group, and the ability to plan an effective presentation.

Résumé

Le projet Leadership for the 90's visait à former des bénévoles du troisième âge suivant le concept de «l'assistance partagée» (tel que décrit dans le manuel de formation Flying High-Thompson et Cusack, 1990) afin de faciliter le développement de leurs pairs en tant qu'intervenants au sein d'une association regroupant quelque 3 000 membres. La méthode de l'étude de cas permet une compréhension approfondie de la recherche et du développement ayant conduit à l'instauration du programme, ainsi que du modèle qui en découle. Au total 21 personnes âgées de 52 à 75 ans (moyenne: 64 ans) participèrent au programme pour une durée de 10 mois. Le résultat des autoévaluations révèle une amélioration, ce qui confirme les renseignements anecdotiques concernant la gestion des réunions, la communication efficace, le sentiment d'être écouté, la confiance en soi dans les situations de groupe, l'assurance lors de communications orales, et la capacité de planifier une présentation efficace.

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Published

1996-11-01

How to Cite

Cusack, S., & Thompson, W. (1996). Building a Community of Leaders: Research and Development of A Program to Train Seniors as Empowering Leaders. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 10(2), 19–36. Retrieved from https://cjsae.library.dal.ca/index.php/cjsae/article/view/2071

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (1996)

Section

Articles

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