Practising inspired leadership: the use of applied theatre "prophetical" in the Executive Leadership Development Program for Queensland Health

Abstract

QUEENSLAND HEALTH as an organisation has been under a great deal of pressure in recent times. On 26 April 2005, the Queensland Government announced an independent review of Queensland Health?s administrative, workforce and performance management systems. The review was established in response to public concern over the safety and quality of the public health system following events that took place at Bundaberg Hospital, particularly the appointment and practices of Dr Jayant Patel. Associated with the Patel case were issues of bullying and intimidatory behaviour at the workplace. In response to the recommendations of the review, Queensland Health embarked upon a major reform program. One of the strategies for driving reform highlighted by the Queensland Health Systems Review final report, September 2005 was leadership development. Strong leadership was identified as vitally important to both drive the reform process and improve workplace culture.