“We All Have a Leadership Voice”
Vannie Pillay told me this.
Have you ever heard the phrase “leaders are not born, but made?” Well, it’s not entirely true, because at both the front and the end of the curve sit the outliers. Some are definitely more gifted than others, but all of us need to nurture our skills, gifted or not. Leadership is a skill that requires learning and unlearning, focus, sacrifice, and determination. Over the years, these are the small jewels I’ve gathered, from being a 16-year-old earning his first wages baking bread to running businesses with turnovers in double billions.
1. LISTEN!
- It’s not as easy as it sounds. We are all conditioned to listen to respond. The loudest voice often gets the most attention. But practicing active listening, or listening with intent, often means saying nothing at all. “I hear what you are saying” is not a listening response either.
- But, I won’t be obsequious to anyone who doesn’t speak the truth.
2. HUMILITY
- Some people think this means being humble. It plays a part, but it’s not my “go-to” definition. For me, it’s a powerful tool to ensure I don’t think my point of view is more important than yours.
- Do no harm – take no sh1t.
3. BE SELF-AWARE
- How you arrive vs. how you show up. Earn your stripes.
- How attached are you to your own opinions?
- Your ego and your knowledge have no inherent link.
4. Which brings me to LEARN
- Academic learning is important. Don’t let anyone tell you that Qualified by Experience (QBE) is the only thing that matters. The rigor of study creates discipline and a balanced view of what knowledge you need. You’ll get experience by practicing what you learn – see point 7.
- If you don’t know something, don’t fear it. Fear is very much an absence of knowledge. I try to learn every day. If you follow principles 1 and 2, learning opportunities will come to you quickly.
5. COMMUNICATION
- Sharing information isn’t communicating.
- Until we reach a common understanding of each other’s message, we aren’t communicating.
- If we don’t close the feedback loop, we will fail at this 100% of the time.
6. SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD
- This one comes from Stephen R. Covey, and it should be tattooed on our arms.
7. YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANYTHING. EVER.
8. Lastly, we aren’t perfect. Often, we will fall short of the leadership principles and high standards we set for ourselves. It’s important to have enough time to reflect each day. By doing this, you will identify when you have fallen short and what you need to do to correct yourself. Don’t get so busy with busyness that you are stripped of TIME TO THINK.
Written by Wayne Hill
Wayne, a member of Oaktree People Solutions coaching program (BSmart Grow Me). has been in the hospitality business for over 34 years.
From humble beginnings working as a baker, through to managing 5 star Hotel properties and complex Food and Beverage assignments around the world, Wayne eventually worked his way up to being the CEO of a large South African employer. Shifting gears after that, Wayne joined the People Group as an executive in charge of Staffing Solutions.
He spends his free time playing golf and cooking, and exercising his leadership voice to positively influence the lives of those he touches, paying it forward.
