By Kelley Reynard
We mostly discuss and talk about leadership in relation to the workplace. There is conversation and insight around the behaviours that successful CEO’S and Executives engage in every day; dialogue regarding how great leaders create the culture; and ideas about the differences between leadership and management. But what about those leaders who inspire, mentor, and empower those in their communities? Those leaders who act as role models who are passionate about their causes, encouraging others to pursue a path of greatness and purpose?
Four leaders involved in very different industries and communities, shared their thoughts on contemporary leadership issues in Australia and challenges they felt strongly about. Interviews were conducted by Our Community, a not-for-profit organisation and Australia’s Centre for Excellence, and although the extracts from the interviews are from 2003 and 2004, it is noteworthy and important to reflect upon whether their insights and thoughts are still relevant today.
Interviewees
Jacqui Katona
CEO of the Lumbu Indigenous Community Foundation, and noted community campaigner
John Eales
One of sport’s most inspirational leaders, and since retiring from Rugby, Eales has remained an ambassador for rugby, and works as an executive for BT Australia, and running John Eales 5, a corporate events company
Peter Garrett
Past President of the Australian Conservation Foundation, former politician in Federal Parliament, lead singer of Australian iconic band Midnight Oil, and renowned environmental and community activist.
Stephanie Alexander
Leader in the Australian food industry for decades, and has been instrumental in the development of an Australian food movement. She has also been a teacher for generations of chefs and also children through a gardening and cooking program she initiated at an inner-Melbourne school.
Interviews
1. What are the three attributes you consider to be essential to a leader?
Jacqui Katona: (1) Discipline and commitment; (2) Giving others the inspiration to empower themselves; (3) Celebrating our achievements as they happen.
John Eales: (1) That their behaviour is grounded by very strong and consistent values; (2) They are effective communicators; (3) They lead by their own actions
Peter Garrett: (1) Humanity; (2) Faith/confidence; (3) Farsightedness
Stephanie Alexander: (1) Ability to articulate a vision that inspires hope; (2) Clear principles that many can relate to; (3) Wisdom, ability to engage in debate with opponents without recourse to violence or abuse
2. What are the greatest barriers to new leaders emerging in Australia?
Jacqui Katona: (1) Lack of access to education – lack of exposure to different cultural ideas and backgrounds, increased competition for learning resources; (2) Media control – political imperatives overriding debate, and poor examples of leadership promoted by media
John Eales: (1) Apathy; (2) Selfishness
Peter Garrett: (1) The knocking or ‘tall poppy’ syndrome; (2) The failure of current leaders to mentor and encourage young leaders; (3) Fear of failure.
Stephanie Alexander: (1) Education does not encourage radical thinking; (2) Inequalities in education system; (3) Political apathy perhaps due to average high standard of living; (4) Political party system that plays politics rather than debates change
3. What advice would you give a potential leader to take them to the next stage?
Jacqui Katona: Be sure of yourself and remember that you have lots to learn and lots to offer.
John Eales: Get to know the people in your team both in terms of their skills and their being.
Peter Garrett: Life is very short; be willing to serve.
Stephanie Alexander: Think. Develop a thick skin.
4. Nature/Nurture – Are leaders born or bred?
Jacqui Katona: Leaders are created through their experience. While some people may demonstrate leadership qualities, to have the courage to lead, you have to have the courage to admit that you still have to learn.
John Eales: BRED – otherwise it is too depressing.
Peter Garret: Some people are born with the necessary gift, and some work hard to build on the few gifts they have.
Stephanie Alexander: Who knows, probably bred from circumstance.
5. What do you consider to be the three top leadership issues facing the nation?
Jacqui Katona: (1) Health and education; (2) Settlement of Australia; (3) Resource Management
John Eales: (1) The gap between the haves and the have nots; (2) The focus on material gain; (3) The lack of our nation truly embracing our indigenous heritage
Peter Garrett: (1) Truth and accountability in political and corporate life; (2) Endeavouring to craft good ideas and positive goals for the long haul; (3) Trusting those who follow.
Stephanie Alexander: (1) Social justice; (2) Republic; (3) Aboriginal rights and welfare; (4) Refugees
6. What insights have you gained personally on your leadership journey and how have they impacted on your style of leadership?
Jacqui Katona: (1) You have to be prepared to take a stand even though it may be unpopular. Integrity is an important quality of leadership which others take as an example; (2) Collaboration is important; (3) Listening, reflection, and evaluation.
John Eales: That it is all about values and people.
Peter Garrett: Each day is different and you must be willing to learn (again) how to best do your job as a leader.
Stephanie Alexander: (1) It’s lonely at the top; (2) Huge satisfaction in influencing others; (3) Big issues in life can take a long time to resolve.
If you would like to access the full interview extracts, please visit http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/leadership/leadership_article.jsp?articleId=744