Institute engages cutting edge approach to leadership and team building
Lt. Col Paddy McDaniel, Officer Commanding the 28th Infantry Battalion and Commander or Irish UN mission to Chad speaks to IT, Sligo staff on Leadership.
In an original and highly innovative exercise in staff training and team building, a group of 25 members of the Registrar’s staff at IT, Sligo, went to visit the 28th Infantry Battalion at Finner Camp, Co. Donegal last month.
The Institute, keen to draw on cutting edge leadership and team building techniques, approached the Defence Forces, who in recent years have put these specially designed and developed cutting edge techniques into practical operational uses in trouble spots all over the globe. In return, they have gained for Ireland’s small army, a reputation as one of the most professional and successful of peacekeeping bodies in the world since the founding of the UN.
The objectives of the Away Day Sessions are to:
- Build teamwork and leadership
- To engage with key regional stakeholders
- To look at best practice in training and development.
L-R: with Army personnel IT, Sligo’s Eileen Curley, International Officer, Dr. Michelle Connolly, Programme Manager, Research Alliance Network Manager and Padraig Cuffe, Student Services Manager.
Benefiting from hard won experiences, the Institute staff saw how these are achieved on an ongoing basis ‘on the ground’ through:
- An overview of Ireland’s Peacekeeping Mission in Chad
- A demonstration of equipment and training
- A presentation on Team Building and Leadership
- A Panel discussion on team building in an academic/ administrative setting.Padraig eyes the target
IT, Sligo’s Padraig Cuffe,eyes locked on the target…!
Commenting at the session’s close, Dr. Brendan McCormack, Institute Registrar stated, ” We are very impressed by the professionalism of the Defence Forces and have developed a better understanding of the challenges of peacekeeping duties. The Irish Defence Forces have developed an international reputation for excellence in peacekeeping duties and we are delighted to see at first hand some of the training which supports this outstanding reputation.”
L-R: Stephanie Donnegan, Quality Manager, IT, Sligo and Sarah Fay Administrator, ITSBIC taking it all in…
Education key factor in Army’s success
Lt Col Paddy McDaniel, Officer Commanding the 28th Infantry Battalion, singled out education as one of the key factors in developing the professionalism of the Irish soldier. ” We are fortunate to have some of the best educated soldiers in the world. Our recruits are well educated and endeavour to enhance their education through programmes of training and development. Well educated soldiers provides an edge in peacekeeping missions in complex and challenging environments.”