Tomorrow’s Leaders Are Already Here
February 22, 2012 Leadership is not just for CEOs and managers. Many of you reading this article are future leaders without even realizing it, and it is your potential that our industry must tap.
So what makes a great leader? According to some, leaders are born. Others believe that leaders are developed. I believe it is a bit of both. It may sound cliché, but true leaders recognize that people are their greatest assets and it is important to invest in them. Whether you are leading a big corporation or a small business, the people around you will determine the success you achieve. Microsoft’s Bill Gates once said, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”
I wholeheartedly agree and know that many of you do too. This was evident last April, when 38 delegates signed up for our Complete Cotton training program. The training lasts for 10 days, which naturally means time away from the office. But those who decided to send their employees to the course recognized that this investment would pay off. I am certain that it will. I am also certain that I met some of tomorrow’s future leaders during that training.
Over the years, ICA training has provided an excellent grounding for many of today’s key players in the cotton world. The benefits are far reaching. Not only do delegates gain access to training and networking, they transfer their learning back to their own workplace, which has a positive impact for the industry as a whole.
Don’t just take my word for it. I recently came across a message left on one of our social media sites, LinkedIn. It was from a delegate who took part in Complete Cotton last year. It said, “Very highly recommended … This course is an absolute must for those seeking to understand all aspects of cotton rather than just the single perspective of a grower, ginner, spinner or trader.”
To me, this feedback is worth its weight in gold (or cotton) and I felt the need to share it with you, because I also believe that Complete Cotton is “an absolute must.” If you are involved in the cotton industry, in whatever shape or form, you really should consider signing up or encouraging your people to attend.
Relevant to Today’s Market Conditions
Last year’s Compete Cotton course was a complete sell-out. The 38 delegates that attended gave the training a 94% “excellent/good” rating. Part of that success is because we improved the course schedule. We rationalized the syllabus. We made it more relevant to today’s market conditions. We reduced the length of the course, allowing delegates to return to their commitments back home and at work sooner. We were also able to reduce the cost. Those improvements have paid off.
Our next Complete Cotton course runs from April 23 to May 2 in Liverpool, UK. Covering all the aspects of the cotton chain, from growing to spinning and everything in between, Complete Cotton incorporates 17 training modules, all delivered by industry experts. The training is open to individuals of all ages from within the cotton trade, including producers, ginners, exporters, merchants, agents, importers, spinners and allied trades. You do not have to be an ICA member to take part (although there is a substantial reduction in the price if you are).
There are only 40 places available and they’re going fast, so book your place now. Take the lead and join us in Liverpool for Complete Cotton 2012.
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