On one hand research confirms that when leaders are stressed they often default to – often unhelpful – heuristics, rather than engaging in goal-oriented decisions that will better reflect the ongoing needs of the workforce. On the other hand, leaders during a crisis need to make quick decisions.  This complexity is going to create issues for leaders because right now and moving forward we need leaders to rely less on unhelpful heuristics, and harness and value the diversity of the workforce.

Now is the time to think about our diverse workforce in Aotereoa and think about strategies and ways to provide leadership to include that diversity. Maree will present recent leadership research, over four studies, that demonstrate the complexity and diversity in leading organisations, in 2020 in Aotearoa.  Her workshop will include outlining research into generational differences (leading older v younger workers), Māori leadership, and Women in leadership. Finally, Maree will provide examples and practical strategies and resources for those navigating leadership and leading diversity in a changed New Zealand in 2020.

Leading in NZ in 2020 Pandemic and Post Pandemic leadership – the importance of inclusion? May 22, 26 and 27

Dr Maree Roche (Fellow NZ Psychological Society) is co-director of the Leadership Unit, Waikato Management School, University of Waikato.  Her research expertise is in leadership psychology and indigenous, particularly Māori, leadership.