In a significant step towards strengthening leadership within the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), six senior officers and four senior warrant officers recently completed a week-long Leadership Capability Course facilitated by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in Rakiraki. The course aimed to empower leaders to effectively translate strategy into action, ensuring sustained team performance and cultural alignment within the organization.
The Commander of the RFMF officially opened the course, emphasizing the importance of developing leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern military challenges. In his address, the Commander urged participants to embody the qualities of strategic leaders, balancing competing priorities while maintaining operational effectiveness. He highlighted that capable leadership is critical in ensuring the RFMF remains agile, adaptive, and responsive to both internal and external challenges.
*Course Overview*
The Leadership Capability Course was designed to equip participants with practical tools and insights for enhancing leadership at the intersection of strategy and execution. The course targeted leaders operating at tier 3-4 levels, preparing them to act as culture guardians and effectively lead system-wide changes.
Participants explored critical areas such as:
Self-awareness of their strengths and development needs as strategic leaders
Connecting strategy to operations, ensuring that long-term plans align with ground realities
Operationalizing change programs, managing resources to maintain momentum
Managing upwards by serving as reliable sources of truth for senior leadership
Role modeling leadership behaviors to foster an inclusive, high-performance culture
A range of psychometric and 360-degree surveys were conducted prior to the course, offering participants a deep understanding of their leadership styles and areas for improvement. Accredited facilitators provided personalized debriefs, enabling officers to reflect on feedback and align their personal development goals with organizational objectives.
*Learning through Immersive Experiences*
Throughout the eight-day program, participants engaged in classroom sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises designed to challenge their leadership perspectives. Reflection sessions allowed officers to assess how they could improve their capacity to lead teams through complex situations, especially in resource-constrained environments. The interactive structure fostered collaboration and shared learning, enhancing the network between Fijian and New Zealand defense personnel.
A dedicated leadership development plan session at the conclusion of the course provided participants with the opportunity to synthesize insights gained throughout the program. The finalized development plans, shared with both the cohort and individual managers, ensure that participants will continue building on the lessons learned once they return to their respective roles in the RFMF.
*Strengthening Regional Defence Partnerships*
The Leadership Capability Course is a reflection of the ongoing cooperation between the RFMF and the NZDF. Such engagements not only strengthen bilateral military ties but also contribute to the development of skilled and adaptive leaders capable of addressing both regional and global security challenges.
The RFMF remains committed to fostering leadership that drives progress and builds organizational resilience. Courses like these are instrumental in preparing senior leaders to address the complexities of modern defense environments, ensuring they are well-equipped to make informed decisions and inspire confidence within their ranks.
As these officers return to their units, the knowledge and experiences gained from the course will enable them to better align strategy with operational delivery, ensuring the RFMF continues to evolve as a responsive, professional force committed to national and regional stability.
