Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The third and the final course of the ASPS 2010 was organized in Vlora, Albania from 30 April – 2 May 2010 under the topic “Democratic leadership”.   The seminar outlined a new leadership view adapting to the present worldwide fundamental change in management/leadership philosophy and practice, the shift from command-and-control, to information-based organizations. It aimed at helping school participants to perceive and handle complex future changes, and design and guide knowledge-creating organizations. Major elements used by the well qualified and experienced trainers focused on understanding self and others, power, creativity, team building, experiential exercises, and dialogue.
 
The first day of the seminar provided to the participants essential concepts on leadership and leadership in everyday life, followed later on the day by significant features of effective leadership namely, the art of negotiation, networking and empowerment. The interactive style of the trainer, Mr Gazmend Haxhia, combined with his rich academic and professional background found the great interest and involvement of school participants. Moreover, the first day of the seminar helped the participants to reshape their traditional perception of leadership towards the democratic and modern one.
 
Building on the first day, the follow up of the seminar focused on a thorough analysis of leadership profiles. Dr Frank Prochaska from Technical University of Colorado, elaborated various perspectives of applied leadership, focusing on values, cultural change, team building, role of creative leadership in the global world as well as power and leadership relations.
On the second day of the seminar Ms Delphine Freymann, political advisor (DGDPA), addressed the participants and did an introduction on the Summer University for Democracy.
The seminar provided for the school participants an excellent opportunity to learn and adopt skills and tools to help escape from established thinking patterns, create new patterns, see in new ways, reach beyond average leadership performance standards, and be able to persuade others to do the same.
 
The seminar was highly appreciated by the school participants and was considered as the best one during the school run. About 30 participants attended the seminar.