At Altus Group, we understand that the cornerstone of our success is our people. With this in mind, we embarked on an exciting partnership with Learning Dimensions Network (LDN) to create a bespoke Middle Management Leadership program. This initiative highlights our dedication to developing leaders who are deeply aware of safety and focused on the future.

Our decision to collaborate with LDN was fuelled by a shared vision: to progress the leaders within our organisation and to embed our core values into the very fabric of our leadership. With safety and leadership being non-negotiable pillars of our operational philosophy, the program was not just an educational endeavour but a strategic alignment with our ethos of 'Protect the Protectors' and 'Grow' at Altus.

The program's agenda covered the essentials of communication, leadership, and management, with a strong emphasis on safety. We delved into what motivates people's actions and how leaders can better connect with their teams. The iLEAD approach we practiced is all about making conversations count, helping our leaders to motivate and recognise their team members effectively.

Feedback from the sessions was overwhelmingly positive. Our leaders pledge to implement personalised Action Plans and to actively foster open and respectful communication stood out as immediate, positive changes spurred by the program.

Every aspect of the program was contextualised to resonate with our values at Altus Group. The training empowered our leaders to view their roles through a lens of safety, combined with career development. The bespoke content underscored the importance of psychosocial awareness, ensuring that our leaders are equipped to handle not just physical but also mental and emotional safety in the workplace.

In discussions with Melissa Williams, CEO, and Sue Banks, National Business Development Manager, from LDN, the emphasis was placed on 'investing in careers'—a philosophy that aligns seamlessly with our vision at Altus Group. Their expertise in behavioural change, set within the context of safety, was invaluable in creating a program that was both 'sticky' and supremely relevant.

This leadership program is more than just a series of sessions; it's a reflection of our journey towards building a safer, more resilient, and capable industry. As of November 2023, we've seen 87 leaders across Australia successfully complete the program, showcasing a widespread and shared dedication to our vision of safety and leadership. We provided training to leaders in 22 different depots across Australia, from Cairns to Geraldton, Perth to Hobart, and everywhere in between.

By partnering with LDN, we have taken a significant step in investing in our people and paving the way for a new breed of leaders. Leaders who don't just follow but set new standards of safety and excellence. As we continue to make strides in the traffic management and civil construction industry, we do so by empowering those who lead the way.

Acknowledgments:
We extend our gratitude to the entire team at LDN for their collaboration, to Matthew Hiskey, National Safety Engagement Manager, for leading this initiative within Altus, and to every participant who has embraced this journey. Together, we're not just managing traffic; we're steering lives towards a safer, brighter future.