SDN Riverwood Director participates in leading Australian research

Christie Sherfan, Centre Director at SDN Riverwood, recently took part in an Australian-first study designed to gather deeper insights about how leadership can foster effective relationships and teamwork amongst staff.

She leads the 60-place south western Sydney service, which was rated as Excellent in October 2021, and worked with University of Sydney PhD student Melody to explore leadership more deeply. 

Throughout the study, Christie and Melody had extensive discussions analysing Christie’s leadership practices, a partnership process which Christie said has been a wonderful experience. 

“Collaboration increases success and leads to improved communication and networking,” she said. “This ultimately improves outcomes for educators, children and families.”

Christie’s leadership style was catagorised as being transformational and one which positively impacts team relationships, contributes to the centre’s quality of service and demonstrates the training and leadership support provided at SDN.

“Through this study, I gained a deeper understanding of how the team at SDN Riverwood views me as a leader and the positive impact I have,” Christie said. “I hope the findings of Melody’s study will empower and motivate other leaders and the sector to build constructive relationships with their teams, which will support their mental health and wellbeing.”

Melody’s findings and the way they were presented earnt her an A+, a grade never before granted by the University for a study of this kind. 

“I’d definitely encourage other services to participate in opportunities to reflect on different perspectives and shape the world of tomorrow,” Christie said in closing. 

Learn more about SDN Riverwood here.