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Impressions on an Erasmus+ training (Joyful Leadership 5.0)

İlker Özbahar
I had the opportunity to attend the “Joyful Leadership 5.0” training held in Zagreb from 4-12 November 2022 as part of an Erasmus+ project, of which our Society is also one of the partners. I would like to share the knowledge and experience I gained through this training in an article for those who may be interested.
The “Joyful Leadership 5.0” training was focused on developing leadership skills among young people, with the goal of creating “joyful” leaders. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the meaning of leadership, the reasons behind leading, and effective leadership techniques in order to be a successful leader. It also stresses that leadership involves more than just managing a group of people.
The training was structured around the metaphor of a tree of life, with five main themes representing the roots, trunk, branches, leaves, and fruits of the tree. These themes were used to organize the training and provide examples of the abilities that a leader should possess. The training lasted for seven days, and although most participants felt that it could have been more effective with one or two extra days, the program included a mix of presentations, exercises, and discussions on various topics.
The roots of the tree in the training represented the personal life purpose, values, and boundaries of a leader. It was emphasized that strong roots are essential for a long and successful leadership journey, and that self-discovery is the first step in becoming a leader. Participants were encouraged to consider their personal goals and values, and how they align with the needs and possibilities of their society, in order to find their own life purpose.
The early days of the training focused on these themes, with presentations and speeches on topics such as the nature of leadership and how to become a leader. One aspect that particularly interested me was the discussion of personality types and how they can be managed in a work environment. Overall, the training provided valuable insights into the personal side of leadership.
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The trunk of the tree in the training represented various aspects of leadership, including self-management, effective teamwork, and the ability to influence others. I found the sections on self-management and effective work particularly useful, as they provided valuable insights on how to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for self-improvement. The training covered a range of topics, including personal discipline, stress management, and setting and managing goals, both personal and team-based. I found many lessons that I could apply to my own life and work, and I took useful notes on how to address my own weaknesses and improve my skills in these areas.
The next phase of the training, represented by the branches of the tree, focused on social skills, communication, and teamwork. It was emphasized that effective communication is a crucial quality for a leader, and the training provided practical tips on how to maintain and improve communication within a team. I gained valuable insights on conflict resolution, negotiation, group dynamics, and maintaining team motivation. Overall, this part of the training was very helpful in developing my leadership skills.
In the last part, we carried out various practices on issues such as managing the difficulties encountered, adapting to and managing change, and contributing to the development of teammates. We made various simulations on examples that we can encounter in daily life, and practiced governance within the group.
Overall, I found this training to be a very interesting and valuable experience. In addition to the content of the training, I was impressed by the use of non-formal learning methods, which were engaging and effective. Instead of traditional lectures and presentations, the training employed interactive, participatory techniques that enabling all participants to actively discuss the subject in interaction with each other.
The use of simulations, non-formal training methods, and hands-on activities enhanced the effectiveness of the training, and the inclusion of attention-grabbing activities during breaks and opportunities for participants to take on responsibilities within their groups added to the positive atmosphere of the training.
Another aspect of the training that I found particularly effective was the use of activities and techniques that encouraged participation and interaction within the group. For example, the organizers incorporated attention-grabbing activities during breaks to maintain energy levels, and they provided opportunities for participants to take on responsibilities and roles within their groups. These techniques helped to create a positive and engaging atmosphere during the training, and I believe they contributed to the overall effectiveness of the training.
I came away from the training with new ideas that could be beneficial not only in terms of the content of future training sessions, but also in terms of their organization. I believe that the use of digital tools and innovative, interactive methods can make our trainings more engaging and memorable, and I hope that our society can incorporate these ideas into our future activities. I believe that these ideas and techniques will be beneficial for our society and the people we serve.