Glenda Martin’s Capable NZ experience has deepened her understanding of her leadership style and allowed her to build on her years of work in the volunteering sector.

Glenda works full-time as General Manager at Volunteering Canterbury and has several volunteer roles which take up a considerable amount of time. Capable NZ gave her the flexibility to fit her learning around her schedule.

“My facilitator met with me regularly and, understanding the timeframes I was working with, always provided feedback in a timely manner which was essential in supporting me to stay on task and meet deadlines,” she says.

Glenda has led and managed teams within Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. She says this experience, together with leadership in governance teams within the community sector, provided a solid platform from which to embark on her Bachelor of Applied Management.  

Her study provided opportunities to reflect on the community funding model which exists in Aotearoa New Zealand. She also explored the relationship between volunteering and wellbeing for the volunteer and how that may impact self-esteem, community connection, and mana.

“This study highlighted role models who had impacted my model of practice and provided an opportunity to reflect on the influence of leaders on their team members,” says Glenda.

She says it was a privilege to be able to undertake this study, which allowed her to gain a clear understanding of her own model of practice in relation to established theories of leadership, identifying strengths and weaknesses.

“The completion of this study has given me a tangible acknowledgement of the experience gained over many years and provided a structure for my leadership going forward.”

Prior to enrolling, she believed she was an intuitive leader. Seeing that leadership as a structured model has improved her confidence in both decision-making and leadership style.

“This study has provided opportunities to reflect and acknowledge the personal growth achieved over the years through prior learning, both academically and on the job.  This has increased my confidence in my own ability to lead successfully.”

Glenda says pursuing a Capable qualification empowers learners to think outside their usual parameters and opens opportunities to consider how things might be done differently.  

“Sustainable leadership is supported by those in positions of leadership continuing to learn and grow and alongside that, encouraging their teams to also identify their own individual models of practice,” she says.

She now looks forward to exploring other learning opportunities that will support her growth in her roles.

“Continuing my learning will ensure that I am building a robust and always growing toolbox of information and knowledge to sit alongside my practical experience.”