Investing in your staff

Bowls Australia Chief Executive Officer Neil Dalrymple had to look no further than his organisation’s current strategic plan when deciding to engage Spheres of Influence recently to conduct a professional development review.

Responsible for the leadership, development and management of lawn bowls in Australia, the national sporting organisation’s commitment to innovation, both on and off the green, is reflective in its desire to be an employer of choice within the sporting industry.

In the interest of continuous improvement, Bowls Australia approached Spheres of Influence to conduct a 360 degree review of the organisation’s staffing skill sets, identifying its current strengths and at the same time highlighting potential areas where future professional development may be beneficial.

‘It may sound clichéd, but I’m a firm believer in investing in your staff,” Mr Dalrymple said.

‘A quick glance at our strategic plan reaffirms our mission to be innovative and to create a proactive culture that is attuned to environmental changes within and outside of sport.

‘The outcomes of Spheres’ review will allow us to tailor our ongoing HR strategies, professional development protocols and educational initiatives in terms of staff recruitment and retention.’

Over a three month period, Bowls Australia’s staff was invited to undertake a self-assessed review, highlighting their own areas of interest and career development goals, before being provided with a customized strategic plan for their own professional development.

In order to encourage frank and honest assessments, the organisation limited its access to a summary report on the current status of its ‘whole-of-staff’ skill sets, along with recommendations on how to fill those skill gaps by either upgrading current expertise and skills or offering new areas of skill development for existing staff.

‘The very essence of the review was to assist in the professional and career development goals of our staff,’ Mr Dalrymple said.

‘This process will also assist in determining suitable opportunities for career development and advancement within BA, which may or may not have been obvious to the organisation.’

‘I’m confident that it will allow us to produce a more coordinated approach to the opportunities we offer our staff, and in turn, a more efficient and driven national office.’

Ms Patrizia Torelli, Managing Director of Spheres, is also a member of the board of Bowls Australia.  She was appointed to the board subsequent to the decision by Bowls Australia to award the contract for the professional development review to Spheres.  

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