International Training Alliance Philosophy

It has been a challenge to describe the leadership training being given by the International Training Alliance. If we were to simply give an outline of the materials covered in the curriculum, there may seem to be little that is different by comparison with other available Leadership Training courses. The question then remains to be answered "What is unique about this course?" There are a number of things in the presentation of the course that cumulatively make it unique. Four very significant aspects are:

  1. The amount of time the trainee is actually 'doing' and 'practicing' the material rather than passively 'listening' to lectures. In reality each of the carefully trained instructors are motivated by the phrase 'They will not remember so much what we say, but they will remember what they do'.
  2. Trainees are only asked to practice a new skill after the instructor has first modeled it.
  3. While the instructors will introduce new material, they are committed wherever possible to help the class discover the answers for themselves by sharing their combined knowledge in a very interactive climate.
  4. There is a carefully planned structure to the progression of the training that follows a Biblical emphasis. Firstly, to help the trainees recognise their own worth and gifting in God's eyes as the essential reality for them. This is followed by developing an understanding of God's concern for them to be loving and caring for other people. With these two in their rightful place we then focus on the situations that as leaders they need to address. Guiding discussions and input from the trainees and giving the balance of new content is what necessitates the specialised training given to all the instructors.

A lot of what is advertised as training, in reality, is given more in a teaching mode, rather than a training mode. By this we are saying that 'Teaching' while very significant, tends to focus on the delivery of prescribed content in a lecture form. But 'Training' in our context is focused on developing skills and doing it in such a practiced way that the trainees will remember the principles. The participants will remember far more because they have had opportunity to actually practice the new skill or apply the new insight rather than only having a record of it in a handbook. Further, the principles are taught in such a way that the trainee can readily make them transferable to his/her colleagues or team members. However, because of the highly interactive nature of the course and the unique composite of gifting and talents in each course, it has not proved possible to stereotype the course. It is not possible to effectively audio or video tape the course or simply give a trainers manual.

Given the above background, another helpful way to show the differences between this training course and the many others out in the market place is to state the outcomes the graduates can expect if they take and actively apply the training.

It further needs to be said that like any other course, its relevance will be directly related to the ability of the trainee to apply it to his or her own specific situation. Experienced leaders doing the course will gain greater confidence and skill to lead even more effectively. Others who have shown leadership potential but have not had the background or experience in such positions will gain understanding in what is expected of a leader. They will learn the skills necessary to be a leader.

Please note the following are not ranked in any order of importance:

There is one further significant component of the course and that is the Biblical teaching sessions that undergird the presentation. There are seven underlying elements of Leadership that are covered. The Leader must have:

  1. A vision of where he/she is going.
  2. The ability to communicate well to his/her followers.
  3. A Shepherd's heart for his/her people.
  4. An understanding of the role of management as it relates to leadership.
  5. A deep desire to go on learning.
  6. A resolve to handle the pain that comes with leadership.
  7. The anointing of the Spirit of God on his/her life.

 

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