We need leaders....

We are all in uncertain economic times, there is virtually unprecedented volatility in the marketplace and it is potentially destabilising for everyone. And the more worrying thing is that this volatility instability and constant change looks like it is set be the new norm for the next few years.

During these times Leadership plays an even more important role than ever before. The role of a leader now means more than just managing the business and profits. It means always remembering that your first priority is your people. Great leaders never forget that their team and their employees are the keys to an organisation’s success! We tend to forget that the team can get as concerned as we do, they feel exposed and overwhelmed. It’s important to bring an air of calm and stability to them; to keep our fears to ourselves but to share our courage and fortitude with others.

We should also all remember that with any change comes opportunity. Opportunity from new trading markets, new business lines, and from a new style of independent government. We need to ensure that we are in a position to take advantage of these new opportunities; and try to turn adversity to advantage.

It’s entering times like these that separates the leaders from the managers, and in our organisation, like yours, we need to promote a culture where leaders can thrive. While leadership comes from the top its necessary to have leaders throughout the ranks to achieve your potential. We have invested in potential leaders within our team by introducing a 2 year Leadership Development Program, and I was proud to be at the recent celebration of final part of the course with our first cohort. It made me realise that it is only by investing in leaders that not only will we be able to survive in this world of constant change, but we will be well placed to make the most of the opportunities that will inevitably present themselves over the next few years.

2,500 years ago Lao-Tsu the father of Taoism said “To lead people, walk beside them … As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honour and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate … When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!”

Take 2 minutes out to think and reflect on what sort of a leader you are; and is that sufficient to lead your business and your team through the next few years…….