AFL program in ‘bullying’ claims

ERIN PEARSON
A CONTROVERSIAL team-building program used for AFL clubs is behind an outbreak of bullying complaints at Geelong’s The Gordon institute, according to Australian Education Union.
The union’s deputy vice-president, Greg Barclay, called on the Gordon to suspend the Leading Teams program until completion of an investigation into its impact on staff.
Mr Barclay said 100 former and serving Gordon staff had contacted the union about the program.
“At a meeting with members (two weeks ago) six people broke down in tears telling their stories and were sobbing as they recounted their experiences,” he said.
“Our sub-branch members have been concerned about the program for around two years but no one has appreciated the extent of the trauma until now.”
Ex-Western Bulldogs player Jason Akermanis reported feeling bullied after Leading Teams sessions before leaving the club in 2010. Other clubs to have used Leading Teams include Geelong, Carlton and Sydney.
Leading Teams’ website says the company “is passionate about improving organisation(al) performance by aligning teams and developing leaders”.
“We align teams by generating ownership of shared behaviours that empower all members of the team to engage in open, honest and constructive dialogue.”
A former Gordon staff member, who did not want to be identified, said the program was demoralising.
“The whole ethic of the Gordon began to change after Leading Teams was introduced. If you didn’t follow the new mantra you were ignored and scared for your job.
“It wasn’t positive to go to work every day and I walked out of there demoralised, questioning my worth.”
Staff were told the program would build morale and bonding.
“But it didn’t. We had to analyse someone after they were removed from the room and talk about our peeves with them.
“It impacted greatly on your value and staff began to leave the Gordon in droves.”
The Gordon chief executive Grant Sutherland said the institute would run an independent investigation of the Leading Teams curriculum.
Mr Sutherland said staff had given “very positive” feedback on the program.
“The philosophy of Leading Teams is around building great teams, developing leaders and supporting positive and professional organisational behaviours,” he said.
“The Gordon has held a large number of sessions across the institute, 78 in 2010 alone, which have been important in developing the Gordon as a values-based organisation.”
Leading Teams had not responded to the Independent’s request for comment before going to press.