Posted on June 9th, 2021 by SBS-ED
Natache Nolte, Regional Operations Manager of the Eastern Cape for Woolworths East Coast Division, recently completed USB-ED’s Senior Management Development Programme (SMDP).
Naturally a results-driven person, Natache shared with USB-ED that she experienced some hesitation before starting the course. She felt a little daunted and intimidated going into the orientation week – as she was aware that she could become extremely focused on being the best that she is able to be. However, upon meeting her facilitator, everything changed. She understood that she had a need to take on a more holistic world-view perspective. Noticing she didn’t necessarily carve out time to reflect, she realised that up until then, everything had been about “doing” and obtaining results for her. “This is where I made the decision that SMDP will not just be about the results I achieve for each assignment – it would also be about how I reflect on this world view, myself, the type of leader I am and need to become, and also where my family fit in all of this,” she shared.
One of the most valuable components of the course was being exposed to systems thinking. She was able to integrate what this meant to her, how it impacted her life and her own personal journey as a manager: “The short answer for me was that I had to take my whole personal and individual system, and improve it. I did this through being open, honest and direct with myself. This is where I started embarking on my purpose – and all the ‘why’s’ just kept popping up. For some of the ‘why’s’ I had answers, for some I did not, and I am still on this journey of finding my purpose through reflecting continuously.”
Learning that one of her biggest fears was around failure, Natache discovered how much of a toll it takes in her life. From impacting her management skills, to her work life balance, to her family, this realisation was a turning point for her in the program. “One of the key learnings on my journey is that when you fail, it does not mean that you are a failure. It just means that you needed to fail, and you needed to make mistakes to learn and to grow. Through that, you can become a better version of yourself” she shares. It helped her to reflect on how she treated people, and how she left them feeling – especially after they’ve made mistakes. For her, “It became about giving back, no matter how small. And it was also about me and my own self-care. It made me look at how I care for myself and give myself the time I need to think and reflect, without thinking that I am wasting time.”
“SMDP forced me to zoom in and out on me as a person. I looked closely at who I am, what I stand for, and what is my purpose. I believe that throughout this process I am reinventing myself, I am starting to understand the real me, and I’m learning the invaluable lesson of just how important humbleness and continued self-reflection is.”
As a cutting-edge senior management course, the Senior Management Development Programme aims to broaden managers’ worldviews, with empowering resilience in a dynamic business environment. Equipping participants with a design mindset, the course explores strategic management concepts around innovation, collaboration, organisational change and business agility in a complex world. Best suited for senior managers from any industry who are interested in developing a strategic leadership mindset, the SMDP helps managers to acquire the ability to sense and respond to new business models – a highly sought out skill in today’s uncertain times. In a rapidly changing environment, organisations are being exposed to a completely new way of working. Over the course of 6 months, this senior management training empowers participants with the tools to:
- Develop leadership thinking
- Explore strategic concepts and integrative strategy
- Evaluate new frameworks and tools to support sustainable business
- Interpret the challenges of globalisation and its effect on business
- Assess and report on the financial viability of organisations
- Develop foresight and navigate shifts in organisational forms
- Determine the importance of changing business models
- Formulate strategies for customer value creation using design thinking
- Apply project management tools and techniques to plan and execute projects efficiently and effectively
- Interpret and demonstrate the relationship between various strategic, operational and leadership themes
Our 2021 Senior Management Development Programmes (SMDP) are now open for enrolment here.
Posted in Career Development |
9 Comments
Posted on June 4th, 2021 by SBS-ED
“The idea of participating in the Executive Development Programme at USB-ED was prompted by my desire to refresh my management skills, concerning our operations in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment,” shared Khehla Ndlovu, Vice-Principle: Strategy, Risk and Advisor Services, of the University of South Africa.
In a position that involves mainly strategy, risk and advisory services, he shares, “I was of the view that I could benefit from the programme’s perspectives, business and ethical knowledge – which inform unique business strategies – to accomplish our objectives and to overcome change management imperatives. I will say though that this opportunity came at the right time, as we were – as a University – working on a strategy review and developing the second phase of our strategy plan for 2021 to 2025. But, more importantly, the whole idea was to enhance strategy thinking in the context of the changing world.”
As the timing of the course came at an opportune moment for Khehla, being able to immediately implement parts of the curriculum was among the highlights of the experience for him. “The major take-away for me was the module on strategy. It reminded me of all of the elements that I needed to be considering within strategy development. Furthermore, the reflective exercises that we engaged in were very useful – especially combined with self-assessment.”
Also among Khehla’s course highlights were the facilitators. “They provided valuable knowledge that could be utilized in our day-to-day environment.” What added to this was the ability to connect with the others taking the course too. “More importantly, the participation in groups provided a wider view of the different industries as our participants were from different sectors of our economy. I enjoyed the guest visits – especially the one from the CEO of Nandos – wherein I learnt even more about caring for people and how they demonstrated that during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
As an alumnus, Khehla encourages prospective participants to dive into the programme, and to learn as much as you can, and take advantage of working with others. “I do want to say that when attending the sessions, you do need to pay full attention – and participate in all group activities and sessions,” he says. “I do think that as a member of the syndicate you will benefit immensely from other participants. This is also necessary for you to do the pre-assignments as they’ll give you a better understanding of the issues that will be discussed in class.”
USB-ED’s Executive Development Programme (EDP) is an empowering executive leadership programme. It aims to prepare individuals with the necessary management skills to make difficult business decisions in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) domain. The focus of this programme is to equip each executive with global perspectives, business and ethical framework knowledge, all of which will inform unique business strategies to accomplish objectives and successfully overcome change management. The EDP is designed for executives who are responsible for decision-making across organizations.
In the ever-complex business realm, global priorities and challenges often fall on executives’ shoulders. Leaders, therefore, need to adapt their executive roles with new ways of thinking to make room for such changes. This leadership programme equips you with the tools needed to expand your ability to lead, motivate and achieve business objectives, enhance your global perspectives and empower you to formulate strategic goals. Over the course of 7 months, delegates learn new techniques and management skills and will be equipped to:
- Appreciate a global perspective and understanding of global markets
- Employ cognitive strategies to appraise systems and consider emergent futures
- Employ adaptive thinking to support strategic leadership decisions
- Deploy creative workforce strategies to enhance diversity and organizational performance
- Collaborate and integrate business knowledge, skills, and professional networks to enhance your career
- Develop ethical reasoning in determining the role of business in society
Find out if the Executive Development Programme should be your next step here.
Posted in Career Development |
7 Comments
Posted on June 2nd, 2021 by SBS-ED
When enrolling for USB-ED’s Executive Development Programme (EDP) Hénoe Stoffberg shared exclusively with USB-ED that “From the onset my drive was to build relationships with other executive mindsets, both with my classmates as well as my mentors. Within the scope of such relationships and within the programme itself I was looking to have my beliefs, values and perspectives challenged.” This played into his overall aim which was to continue on, and improve, his journey of learning.
As a member of the USB-ED EDP class of 2020, Hénoe highlighted that COVID-19 added an extra challenge to the teamwork dynamic. But, with this unforeseeable factor added to the experience, the discipline and determination displayed by the delegates really shone through. The strength of the groups lay in their diversity as whole, and also within the smaller syndicate group configurations. Through this invaluable experience, he found that he was able to contextualise his beliefs, insights and learning journey in a far deeper manner than initial thought possible.
He notes that the EDP showed him that “We are in it for the long term – the disciplined approach will always beat the quick wins over time.” Within this, taking the time to critically self-reflect, physically write things down, and systematically integrate world views and inputs have been the main take-aways that he has been implementing in his life since doing the EDP. Hénoe feels that this has led him to become a more innovative, responsible leader who now takes multiple stakeholders into account more seamlessly.
To prospective EDP participants he is very encouraging, saying that “The EDP is a great combination of knowledge, skill and character testing. The compounding effect of your procrastination about this EDP will be a massive opportunity cost, the earlier you start the better for you! Go for it!”
In the ever-complex business realm, global priorities and challenges often fall on executives’ shoulders. Leaders, therefore, need to adapt their executive roles with new ways of thinking to make room for such changes. This leadership programme equips you with the tools needed to expand your ability to lead, motivate and achieve business objectives, enhance your global perspectives and empower you to formulate strategic goals. Over the course of 7 months, delegates learn new techniques and management skills and will be equipped to:
- Appreciate a global perspective and understanding of global markets
- Employ cognitive strategies to appraise systems and consider emergent futures
- Employ adaptive thinking to support strategic leadership decisions
- Deploy creative workforce strategies to enhance diversity and organizational performance
- Collaborate and integrate business knowledge, skills, and professional networks to enhance your career
- Develop ethical reasoning in determining the role of business in society
Find out if the Executive Development Programme is the next step for you here.
Posted in Career Development |
10 Comments
Posted on May 31st, 2021 by SBS-ED
When enrolling for the Executive Development Programme (EDP), Ruan Venter shared exclusively with USB-ED that he had been looking to advance his business studies for a while. What drew him strongly to the EDP was that it could be more easily integrated within the scope of his lifestyle. He felt that the commitment period of the EDP was manageable enough for him to give it his all, while, at the same time, balancing his responsibilities to his young family. “I was looking around for something that would provide a top-level experience without a strenuous time commitment. And this is what this programme provided.”
“From what I researched, this executive programme with USB Executive Development was most intriguing to me – from the engagement with senior executive leaders to the modules that were listed. I expected that there would be engagement with senior executive leaders within and across not only South Africa – which was the case, but this also extended throughout Africa too. Gaining insights and having discussions that were engaging to my interests, we learned so much from one another. I was able to get different perspectives that not only added to my own, but also enhanced my understanding of things to a far greater depth.” As a member of the USB-ED EDP class of 2020, Ruan highlighted that while COVID-19 did restrict face-to-face interaction, it did make the virtual interactions far more meaningful. “While it would have been great to meet everyone, with the pandemic this was not possible. The group work was great, as it allowed us to become closer as class-members, even though we couldn’t meet each other in person. We had to engage with each other while working together, and it was a definite highlight for me. It really enhanced the relationships that I was able to build.”
With regards to the syllabus, Ruan shared how he is still seeing the results of what he has put into action since completing his EDP. “The strategy module was a main highlight for me – even from the very first few engagements that we had. Immediately after that, I was fortunate enough that we went into a strategic cycle within our company. So I leveraged the tools I was learning, I challenged some of my team-members and we used what I had learnt to facilitate a strategy that we are currently executing on. I was really pleased to be able to get something tangible to take away and go and implement it straight after.”
From this experience, he says, “It helped me to know that the investment I made in myself was already paying dividends for our company too. The programme also created some longer-term goals within me. Through the discussions, it helped me to improve my own thinking about where I see myself going in the next few years, and beyond that. Beyond the business side of things, that helped me personally.”
Ruan shared exclusively that he feels obligated to pursue a life of purpose and leadership practices that develop sustainable futures. “It is my belief that any form of success without purpose is meaningless. I want to be a responsible leader who makes decisions that have sustainable development as its foundational principle. Making sustainable decisions in these ever-changing times will not come easy, however I plan to accept this obligation and respond to the challenges that it brings, rather than bracing for devastation.” He has found that completing the USB-ED EDP has enhanced his endeavors of fulfilling the responsibilities of leadership, while maintaining an authentic developmental approach with a keen sense for ethics and human advancement. “I realise that this will ask of me to accept the duty of being mindfully aware, critical, vulnerable and often unpopular. It requires voluntarily sacrificing short-term gains for long-term extensions to generate a beneficial and consequential actuality.”
As one of the younger members of the group, he highly recommends the programme and actively encourages younger leaders to dive into the experience of an EDP. He shares that, “…I often think about my education, opportunities and access to resources all of which are seen as “privilege” and feel frustrated that this is privilege…in my mind this is supposed to be the standard for all. I have therefore consciously decided to use my influence, position and opportunities to contribute towards sustainability and upliftment. My opinion is that we should encourage younger people, even those younger than me, to engage in these programmes and discussions. I remember thinking to myself that I would love for the discussions that I was having on the course to have been part of the day-to-day discussions within our company. Since then, I’ve even reached out to some of my own colleagues and told them to go and register and do this programme – it is really insightful! Don’t even think about it, just absolutely go and do it. Be engaged through the sessions, make time for it, entrench yourself in the discussions, be open for the different opinions, and challenge one another through the discussions so that you can all learn even more.”
“My experience was that I threw myself into the programme, and did my best to immerse myself completely in the moment across those few months. I’ve been enriched by engaging in it in that way. And that would absolutely be my message. Engage, immerse yourself in it completely, and you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way. Indeed, it’s going to be the younger generations that are the leaders of the future.”
USB-ED’s Executive Development Programme (EDP) is an empowering executive leadership programme, designed for executives who are responsible for decision-making across organizations. It focuses on equipping each executive with global perspectives, business and ethical framework knowledge. These are all factors which inform unique business strategies to accomplish objectives and successfully overcome change. The main aim of the programme is to prepare individuals with the necessary management skills to make difficult business decisions in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) domain.
In the ever-complex business realm, global priorities and challenges often fall on executives’ shoulders. Leaders, therefore, need to adapt their executive roles with new ways of thinking to make room for such changes. This leadership programme equips you with the tools needed to expand your ability to lead, motivate and achieve business objectives, enhance your global perspectives and empower you to formulate strategic goals. Over the course of 7 months, delegates learn new techniques and management skills and will be equipped to:
- Appreciate a global perspective and understanding of global markets
- Employ cognitive strategies to appraise systems and consider emergent futures
- Employ adaptive thinking to support strategic leadership decisions
- Deploy creative workforce strategies to enhance diversity and organizational performance
- Collaborate and integrate business knowledge, skills, and professional networks to enhance your career
- Develop ethical reasoning in determining the role of business in society
Posted in Career Development |
15 Comments
Posted on May 27th, 2021 by SBS-ED
Oftentimes, we are not aware of how many decisions we are making on a day-to-day basis, or what the process involves. Sometimes we have become so accustomed to the process of making a decision that we don’t need to think twice about it. Yet, making choices is part-and-parcel of being a leader. It is usually a process that happens unconsciously. However, within the scope of being a conscious leader in the modern-day crisis that humanity currently faces, decision-making is something that has to be examined.
In the first live discussion which forms part of the Conscious Leadership Webinar Series, held on Thursday 29th April 2021, led by Anne-marie le Roux with contributions from Melvi Todd, Dr. Marlene le Roux and Nangula Kauluma, the conversation revolved around decision making as a conscious leader.
Anne-marie mentioned that what resonated for her was something that Namibian Business-Woman of the Year, Nangula Kauluma said – which was that, as a leader, it is absolutely vital to be of service. This led Marlene to highlight that, as a leader, one needs to put aside one’s ego, to have a sense of duty and take others along with you – a point very pertinent in her role as an activist for people with disabilities.
Furthermore, as a leader, the panel reminded viewers to distinguish between what is important and what is urgent. In the light of the recent global crisis, humanity has found ourselves operating in a way in which we often aren’t fully aware of this distinction. However, with reflection, knowing what is to be prioritised and what can be put aside assists you to understand the value of certain aspects – and how to give your attention in more constructive ways.
As an entrepreneur herself, Melvi highlighted that she has been seeing more and more of a collaborative, co-creative, co-partnering mentality arising. We realise that there are people out there who bring different skills to the table that we may not have ourselves, and then when they would need our skills, we can reciprocate. As a conscious leader, this brings forth an understanding that we can leverage the diversity in our perspectives and thinking to play into our success, and become really effective as a team.
Self-care as a leader was also highlighted. Disconnecting and doing things such as mediation, yoga, going for a run, or even journaling can assist us with filling our own cups. From there, we become better overall ourselves, and can give even more back to our team, looking after them in better ways. Anne-marie mentioned how this has been a change that has come about from the impact of the pandemic – which has brought the importance of people’s overall well being into light. There is greater consciousness about people’s mental health and physical environments, and where they find themselves within the pandemic – which need to be taken into account through conscious leadership.
Indeed, as she highlighted, “It’s in reflection that we grow.” And if the last year or so has been anything to go by, it is through being conscious as leaders that we can really make a difference – not only to the success of our endeavors, but also to our team as the unique individuals that they are.
If you missed the event you can watch the replay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVF3ll2vNj8
During the next webinar “Transformation pressure cooker” Dr Preeya Daya will lead a discussion with key contributions from industry around tougher regulations with hefty penalties and what conscious leaders do when the pressure is mounting. This will take place on Wednesday, 23 June 2021 from 09:30 – 11:00. Register online to secure your free seat at this webinar.
Posted in Leadership |
6 Comments
Posted on April 25th, 2023 by SBS-ED
Whether you’re starting out or have been in the same role for a few years now, learning leadership skills can help you in both your professional and personal lives. While most individuals in senior roles have amazing CVs that list endless accomplishments, in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), young leaders will benefit by displaying fresh, innovative ideas and mastering soft skills.
What skills do you need to be a successful leader?
A lot of individuals have a natural inclination for leadership, but leadership traits can also be taught and honed. Harnessing these five skills is a crucial first step in your rise to the top.
1. Start with a good foundation
Displaying restraint is a key leadership skill and it all starts with discipline. Individuals who are disciplined are also the same people who have stability and structure in their lives and are respectful to everyone around them. Without discipline, an individual could do whatever they wanted with seemingly no consequences – a very bad position to be in if you’re a leader.
2. Strategy is everything
The ability to think critically and strategically is what’s most often cited as the distinguishing factor between leaders and managers. As a young leader, you’ll need to see the big picture and work towards that vision or goal with your team. Skills You Need suggests basing your decisions on the answer to one question: Does this take me closer to where I want to be? By keeping your eye on the prize, you won’t get distracted by minor details or smaller struggles along the way.
3. All clued up
In the same way that having a plan or strategy allows you to remain focused on your main goal, you’ll still need to have a view of the bigger picture. This is where situational awareness steps in. Good leaders anticipate problems before they occur and, by being both aware and strategic, you can hone your ability to foresee bumps in the road and provide suggestions to avoid potential difficulties.
4. Listen, don’t speak
For most of us, to listen is the simple fact of hearing someone say something. But in business, those who listen well to the people around them end up being some of the greatest leaders.
Why? Because all good communication starts with understanding what both you and the other person wants. If you’re really listening, you can avoid potential conflict, negotiate better outcomes and build solid relationships both within your team and with external clients and other stakeholders.
5. Stay on the cutting edge
According to a 2018 study, the ability to facilitate change was the most important leadership quality. In 2020, nothing has proven truer as businesses and leaders scrambled to put work-from-home and project management plans in place. Successful leaders are those who can adapt to change by stepping out of their comfort zones and exploring new ideas and challenges. Not only does this help give you and your business a competitive edge but it will also prove useful in everyday situations where there is constant flux.
Conclusion:
Want to master more leadership skills to help take you to the next level? USB-ED’s New Managers Development Programme (NMDP) is structured to help young leaders hone the necessary skills they need to advance their career. This essential management course will help you gain the confidence and capabilities to respond to business challenges and grow into a formidable young leader.
Posted in Leadership |
10 Comments
Posted on May 4th, 2021 by SBS-ED
Tshego Bokaba, National Portfolio Manager at Nedbank Foundation, recently completed USB-ED’s Executive Development Programme (EDP). As an empowering executive leadership program, it aims to prepare individuals with the necessary management skills to make difficult business decisions in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) domain. The focus of this program is to equip each executive with global perspectives, business and ethical framework knowledge, all of which will inform unique business strategies to accomplish objectives and successfully overcome change management.
The EDP is designed for senior leaders and executive managers who are responsible for managing teams, and interested in becoming leaders who make a real difference. When enrolling for this program, Tshego was at a point in time in which she was involved in a strategy review – and it could not have come at a more opportune moment. “I was able to immediately integrate a ‘Systems-thinking approach’ into our strategy development, “ she shared. “I no longer look at the SDGs as standing-alone,” she continued, “I approach them in an interconnected way. For example, we have identified agriculture as an area of focus, where we assist small scale farmers to become commercially viable. My contribution was to ensure that we incorporate sustainable farming methods in our strategy, that we partner with organizations that employ sustainable farming methods and produce responsibly, in an environmentally friendly manner. I apply the causal loop in all the areas of focus so that I can see the interconnectedness of the SDGs to all of our focus areas – this is something that I have continued to do in both my work and personal life.”
As a member of the EDP class of 2020, Tshego highlights that even though it was conducted in an online format, she was still able to connect with everyone. Indeed, she continues, “One of the things that stood out for me was the systems thinking module – and how we need to approach things in a non-linear way.” She also enjoyed the challenge of assessing her strategies in the strategy module and having guest speakers during the leadership modules. “This was the most practical way to teach leadership – we got an opportunity to hear from female leaders sharing their leadership journeys and recipes for success with us.”
In the ever-complex business realm, global priorities and challenges often fall on executives’ shoulders. Leaders, therefore, need to adapt their executive roles with new ways of thinking to make room for such changes. This leadership course equips you with the tools needed to expand your ability to lead, motivate and achieve business objectives, enhance your global perspectives and empower you to formulate strategic goals. Over the course of 7 months, delegates learn new techniques and management skills and will be equipped to:
- Appreciate a global perspective and understanding of global markets
- Employ cognitive strategies to appraise systems and consider emergent futures
- Employ adaptive thinking to support strategic leadership decisions
- Deploy creative workforce strategies to enhance diversity and organizational performance
- Collaborate and integrate business knowledge, skills, and professional networks to enhance your career
- Develop ethical reasoning in determining the role of business in society
Our upcoming 2021 Executive Development Programme (EDP) is now open for enrolment here
Posted in Career Development |
14 Comments
Posted on September 8th, 2020 by SBS-ED
USB-ED is fortunate to have access to more than 300 part-time faculty, consultants, business leaders and industry experts who facilitate on our programmes.
Today we would like to introduce you to Jako Volschenk.
What is the toughest leadership challenge businesses face today?
Capitalism is at a crossroad for a number of reasons and responsible consumption will become all the more important. It will become a challenge for companies to continue to grow while honouring the limits that the earth imposes on us. Business suffers from a lack of legitimacy and it is our generation’s mandate to show that business can be moral.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from a student to date?
I was teaching at an institution once and I had two extreme individuals in my class. The one student came from a poor background, lived with his grandmother, but was very happy and hardworking. The other student was very clever, had two very successful parents, had all he could dream of and had attempted to kill himself twice before. From numerous conversations I learnt that students (and people) need three things to be happy: (1) To be loved by someone unconditionally, (2) to be good at something, no matter what that is, and (3) to have something to look forward to.
Who inspires you and why?
Nelson Mandela. I know it is a cliché, and I also know he wasn’t perfect, but to me he is the most pure personification of selfless leadership. He painted a vision for a South Africa that everyone could buy into. We struggle as a nation to live up to that vision, but we should never stop believing. If he could forgive the apartheid government for what they did to him, I think we can all try harder to respect and love each other.
What attracted you to work with USB-ED?
I think it was two-fold. I firstly like working at the coal-face of industry, and USB-ED provides an opportunity to work with diverse industries. The second aspect that attracted me to USB-ED was that I could work with “pre-MBA” students. Management Development Programme (MDP) classes are the most fun, because you see people transform from scared and uncertain individuals on the first day, to self-assured team players in a short while.
Do you have a mantra or slogan that you live by?
Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.
What career advice would you give yourself looking back to when you started out?
That is a tough question because I am very grateful for where I find myself, and I would probably not change a thing if I had to do it again. But I love a video by Leo Buscaglia in which he tells the story of someone who had to reflect on “if I had to live my life over again”. I cannot repeat everything that resonates in that talk, but I would say that I would try to take more risks next time and trust my gut feel a little more. I delayed some decisions in my life because I was afraid that I was making a mistake.
Tell us about a book you have recently read?
Thinking fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman is a fascinating read. It explains how our brains make decisions in two different processes, and how we end up trusting our own decisions – even when they are incorrect. Something I also like about the book is the humility of the author in acknowledging what he had learnt from others. Contrary to what people sometimes think, acknowledging those that we learnt from, does not make you look less clever.
Posted in Faculty |
10 Comments
Posted on August 18th, 2020 by SBS-ED
USB-ED is fortunate to have access to more than 300 part-time faculty, consultants, business leaders and industry experts who facilitate on our programmes.
Today we would like to introduce you to Sorayah Nair.
What is the toughest leadership challenge businesses face today?
With the pandemic having changed our world, quite literally, leaders no longer have the luxury of contemplating what it means to embrace an agile mindset. Suddenly it is the only way of leading. So it is having to build the parachute whilst flying, to pivot your strategy and build capacity at speed. All the while keeping employees engaged by facilitating alignment with purpose.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from a student to date?
Oh I’ve learnt several lessons. If I had to choose I would say it’s a lesson about having grit, the capacity to persevere. A number of students attend the leadership programmes with either no formal tertiary studies. They attend class where they are surrounded by many with either graduate or post-graduate studies. To see those students hang in there and successfully complete the course alongside their peers inspires me. They remind me to not let challenging circumstances stand in the way of your goal.
Who inspires you and why?
Those that overcame challenges to achieve success. So the matriculants we read about every year, who live in shacks with a number of others, and then go on to achieve university entrance passes, they inspire me. I’ve run the oceans half marathon several times now and every year as challenging as that 21.1km race is, I look out for the runner who is blind and her strength inspires me to keep going. They teach me that “I am possible”.
What attracted you to work with USB-ED?
I completed my MBA at USB and in conversation with my thesis supervisor Dr John Morrison about looking for spaces where I could make a difference, he suggested I visit USB-ED. And the rest as they say, is history
Do you have a mantra or slogan that you live by?
It is what it is!
What career advice would you give yourself looking back to when you started out?
Find a mentor and find her fast.
Tell us about a book you have recently read?
So I’m one of those that read more than one book at a time. The recent ones are The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, Grace by South African writer Barbara Boswell and I listened to Life of Pi by Yann Martel whilst indoor-cycling during lockdown.
In different ways they all deal with grit, survival and the power of the human spirit to conceive of possibilities.
Posted in Faculty |
7 Comments
Posted on August 6th, 2020 by SBS-ED
As world leaders begin to diversify their strategies for approaching COVID-19, interesting commonalities are beginning to show when it comes to successfully flattening the curve. Countries with early and thorough programmes for testing, well-equipped hospitals and medical personnel, and willing citizens who comply with regulations are all important factors that can improve any nation’s statistics. One other common link that is piquing the interest of researchers and academics is empathetic leadership, which is often shining through in countries with women in top government positions.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, many women in leadership roles have been lauded for their considered management of the crisis – from Germany’s Angela Merkel’s calm, scientific, systematic approach and New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern’s empathetic addresses, to Iceland’s Katrín Jakobsdóttir’s sweet press conference for kids.
While there continues to be a global dearth of female presidents – fewer than 10% of the 193 United Nation’s member states are led by women in the same year, according to Statista – it’s clear the world is recognising a new kind of leadership as ‘strongmen states’ flail.
An empathetic leadership style is by no means unique to women – it’s something all leaders need to focus on fostering, especially during a crisis when their constituents need reassurance; decisive, rational action and constant communication more than ever.
Here are some lessons to learn from the leaders who are ‘getting it right’ amidst one of the toughest chapters the world has ever gone through.
3 important leadership lessons
1. Get advice
What has become clear over the last few months is that blind over-confidence with little scientific input can backfire on leaders by creating confusion and doubt in their abilities. Suze Wilson, who teaches leadership at Massey University in New Zealand, says the decision-making process can be more collaborative and deliberate for women, which is advantageous. “Research shows women are more willing to listen to advice and include different perspectives and try to weigh them up when making decisions,” Wilson said.
During a global pandemic, now is the time to delegate decision-making, seek other opinions and break down siloes to foster greater collaboration. Seek every resource available to you and present the facts to your people – they want to know you are showing them a well thought-out plan, based on the best possible information.
By creating a well-informed team of advisors to assist you with difficult decisions, you can have access to many points of view at a moment’s notice. This council should comprise people you trust from different levels of the business.
2. Be compassionate
Many female-led countries are being lauded for their approach to boosting morale during a time of restricted movement or lockdown. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has not been afraid to show a more human side. Frederiksen posted a video of herself and her partner doing the dishes and singing along during a weekly TV lockdown singalong show.
Gone are the days of stuffy, strait laced communications. People are looking for, and need, a little more humanity from their leaders. Try being more approachable to your teams by sharing your own struggles with the world we are now living in.
Be open and honest in your regular conversations within your organisation. By being as transparent as possible, your teams are going to feel more aligned with your message and better connected to your approach.
3. Stand side-by-side
The success of social distancing and self-isolation in each country depends on the willing participation of its citizens. The prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, knew that to get her citizens to comply with a strict lockdown, they needed to feel unity and responsibility in preventing a major disaster. “We are in this together” was something she regularly said in her more informal briefings done from her living room.
As a new way of life emerges in a post-COVID19 reality, it will change the way we engage in business. An era of conscious consumerism will emerge that will look to support purpose-driven business. Now is the perfect time to reimagine your business manifesto and create sustainability through simple changes.
Try collaborating with your teams to modify and adjust the way your company operates. Working together in this way can give your teams the motivation and purpose they need to support any changes that come.
Conclusion
These is arguably a notable spike in the effective management of COVID-19 in countries with higher gender diversity. It’s clear any leader using emotional intelligence is reaping better rewards. By adding empathy, empowerment, teamwork, and problem solving into your new framework, anyone can lead like a lady.
Consider doing an a course on management to up your emotional intelligence quote and build on your inter and intra-personal relationships. This will be beneficial during COVID-19 and in its aftermath.
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