Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 25 As police association leaders we face daily challenges that test us and ultimately our members. Managing the day to day business of a police association while proactively leading your members in a positive direction toward the future can prove a daunting task for even the most skilled individuals. The Canadian Police Association has taken a leadership role in assisting association executives in developing skills and gaining knowledge necessary for association leaders today. The Canadian Police Association Executive Leadership Certificate Programis offered by the Labour and Worklife Program at Harvard Law School and the Center for Executive Leadership at the Telfer School of Management through the University of Ottawa. This program is offered in three separate Modules that can be taken in any order to successfully graduate. Modules can be taken individually as well, giving focus on a certain function of association leadership. This article will give an insight to the training and instruction available through the program and the benefits of developing your association executives. Module I – Leadership, Advocacy and Communication The word “leadership” can be used in many different ways. Module I of the program focuses specifically on the challenges of police association leadership. This module allows participants to understand the dynamics of a dispute and the relationship that exists between leadership power and influence. Through the use of a major Case Study and participant scenarios this module also covers topics of Advocacy and Media as well. Participants receive practical training in branding of your organization, reputation management and the importance of stakeholder relations and alliances. Further focus on controlling your messaging and agendas through the use of all media and being able to influence the outcome is an interactive group project incorporated in the module. Using pre-reading course material, the class spends time discussing future challenges on the horizon for police associations and the leadership skills required to successfully navigate through them. Module II - Advanced Negotiations and the Psychology of Bargaining For Police Association Leaders, collective bargaining is at the core of our function. The challenge of negotiating contracts and maintaining a competitive package of wages and benefits for our members is the foundation of our existence. This module masterfully equips association executives with a better understanding of the inner workings of all roles through the bargaining process. Discussions focus on the importance of power, influence and communication and the role each plays in the bargaining process. Participants will identify outside influences to the negotiation process and develop strategies to work through problems. Module II also requires its students to roll up their sleeves and participate in group work that involves creating persuasive agreements and replies at the bargaining table as well as understanding the role of timing and sequencing in the entire process. Assembling a strong team for negotiations can be a challenge and this program dedicates time to this important aspect of the negotiation process. Module II offers some practical training on team conflicts and cohesiveness. The final piece of this module focuses on Interest Based Bargaining, a strategic look at an inevitable impasse and Interest Arbitrations. Overall, Module II is a must-have for Police Association Leaders tasked with bargaining and maintenance of a Collective Agreement. Module III – Strategic Choices, Implementation and Governance This module of the program allows association leaders to focus on overall strategic thinking for the association along with effective and efficient governance of your board. Starting with basic governance issues and effectively chairing a meeting this module also shines the spotlight on the purpose and application of a Constitution. Module III provides opportunity through case studies and group work to delve deeper into Strategic Planning, Strategy during Troubled Times and eventually tackles intergenerational issues within our membership. A successful organization CPA TAKES POLICE ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL Continued on page 27...
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