Massey University takes the lead

Dr Robin McConnell is going from training senior sports people and business managers to teaching students leadership skills to take them through life.

In July, he began a new course at Massey University in Albany which introduces post-graduates to leadership theory and practice. It is the first course of its kind to be offered in Auckland, the university says.

Dr McConnell is known for his research into elite team management and leadership, in particular in the All Black rugby team.

He is the author of five books, including Inside the All Blacks, and has worked with four other national sports teams.

He has developed the course to challenge perceptions of leadership and to develop leadership understanding.

"There has been strong academic interest in this topic, and much attention has been paid to the performance of elite teams and organisations in the past year.

"It is important and timely to introduce a course that covers leadership concepts that can be applied to any study course and to personal and professional life," he says.

"We have few leaders in New Zealand, and the course seeks to address that."

It will build on students' leadership experiences, and includes Maori leadership and cultural forces, women and leadership and international leaders.

Dr McConnell will draw on much of his own research, including recent interviews, in conjunction with fellow Albany lecturer Dr Carole Page, with David Lange, Sir Peter Blake and Dame Catherine Tizard.