Leadership Training in the Third Age: The Research and Evaluation of a Leadership and Personal Development Program for the Retired

Abstract

The research and evaluation of a leadership and personal development program for retired persons is outlined The project was prompted by the need to increase the pool of skilled senior volunteers, enabling seniors to play a more effective role in developing and maintaining community programs across Canada serving the increasing population of retired persons. Twenty-four retirees (aged 58-73) enrolled in the program and 18 completed it. A case study narrative is derived from a continuous participant observation record and the evaluator's summary impressions following each session, formal workshop evaluations, and pre- and postest questionnaires. A comparison of pre- and postest scores showed significant improvement in the ability to express ideas comfortably (t = -2.20, p = 0.045) and solve problems (t = -2.38, p = 0.032) in a group. The case study description provides a sense of the diversity within the group and the effectiveness of the training model in meeting participants'needs regardless of entering level of leadership skill. More experienced leaders served as role models to potential leaders and developed the ability to support others and to share the leadership. The article concludes with a discussion of future directions for training and research in leadership for the third age.