Leadership training for technicians completed by ASE archaeologist

The course, supported by the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy (ITSS), is designed specifically for technical managers and leaders across various disciplines who are eager to refine their leadership skills and gain constructive feedback on their approaches. It offers a unique opportunity to practice leadership in a supportive environment and is free of charge for technicians working in Higher Education. Angela’s involvement in the course was part of her Continuous Professional Development, fully supported by Archaeology South-East.

The Vivien Thomas Leadership course combined online sessions with in-person workshops at Aston University in Birmingham. Over the course of the program, participants attended two online meetings and two face-to-face classes. At the final session, each participant gave a presentation detailing the key insights they gained throughout the course and how they intended to apply these lessons within their own work environments.

Angela reflected on her experience: “the course was an invaluable opportunity to explore various leadership styles and share insights with professionals from diverse sectors within Higher Education. Participants were given the chance to lead teams in a variety of challenging scenarios, such as managing during a crisis, leading from a distance, and multitasking under pressure. Feedback, both giving and receiving, played a pivotal role in the learning process, allowing participants to reflect on their leadership practices.

Angela noted that the self-reflection moments after each session were particularly impactful, making the course both a personal and professional growth experience. She emphasised how the course helped her gain a deeper understanding of her leadership style, bolstering her confidence in her abilities. Angela highly recommends the course to colleagues seeking to enhance their leadership skills in a supportive, friendly environment. She also appreciated the opportunity to expand her professional network, which she believes will be valuable in her ongoing career development.