Women in Leadership: Testimonials from Peel Regional Police

There is a lot of research about the role of women in leadership and some of the unique, gender based challenges that occur. I work with women across many sectors who are seeking to fully bring themselves to their work.

Peel Regional Police, in particular, has really focussed in on the women within their organization. Women leaders who have worked for 20 plus years have joined together to create options for learning and growth to support other women in the organization.

One path that we have developed together is the Women in Leadership program. In this program, all women are seen to be leaders using Brene Brown’s definition of leadership: “a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and in processes and has the courage to develop that potential.” Through two half-day workshops, skills to become a more coach-like leader are taught. These new skills are then practiced on real-time challenges over the next 3 months in smaller coaching circles.

What we are seeing is incredible connections, increases in confidence, strengthened communication, and culture-changing conversations that bridge the sworn and civilian members.

I am proud and honoured to share these reflections from some of the participants on the last day of the program.