The latest group of optical professionals to enrol in the Pathway Program have started their leadership and management development journey.
Earlier this month, from 5-7 September 2017, 17 Specsavers team members – a mixture of optometrists, optical dispensers and store managers from across Australia and New Zealand – began the first of four Pathway modules at the Specsavers Support Office in Port Melbourne, Victoria.
In addition to providing an induction into the Pathway Program, the first module explored the application of Specsavers’ culture and brand, and included a ‘Connected Leadership’ segment, which examines how emotional intelligence and emotional capital play an important role in being an effective leader.
The Pathway Faculty, who will be guiding and supporting the participants throughout the program, also hosted a welcome dinner for the new intake, allowing them time to get to know each other in a relaxed environment outside of the training room.
Over the next seven months, the cohort will undertake a further three modules, which are designed to provide Specsavers managers, supervisors and experienced optometrists with the skills and knowledge they need to become a Specsavers Joint Venture Partner and lead their own practice.
The second module covers commercial and business awareness, the third focuses on managing people and performance and building high-performing teams, and the fourth and final module looks at driving service excellence and influential leadership.
Over the course of the program, each Pathway participant will apply their learnings through the planning and management of an in-store project aimed at enhancing the store’s performance. A one-day presentation skills workshop takes place after the four core modules to prepare the participants for their final assessment, where they will present their in-store project to a panel of Specsavers team members.
