The last eight years in our industry has seen dramatic changes in markets, consumer behaviour regulatory reform, as well as our own self-confidence. These tumultuous times require not only strong leadership, but more leaders.
In our business, we discussed the consequences of a leadership void, and our response has been to: understand where the market opportunities are; set a very clear strategic view of the future; and build a relevant, dynamic and commercial proposition to support our clients. We decided it was time to lead.
Lead yourself
In order to be effective in business, you need to lead yourself. As a business owner, you are responsible for the vision, strategic direction, culture and professionalism of your business. To do this with any measure of success, it is important to inspire those around you. This requires you to bring commitment, integrity and authenticity in your values to work every day.
People want to follow authentic leaders that have a clear vision of the future, and who understand that the only way to succeed is to set a goal and accomplish it. If you believe, you will be believed and followed.
Leading your team
Great business leaders do not work alone, and a clear vision will inspire creativity and innovation in others. Your team will want be part of the success and will take responsibility to help your business achieve the strategy and objectives to deliver results. The environment and culture of your business becomes dynamic and infectious in a positive way.
Clear vision and great leadership attracts talent, and talented people also move on when leadership is lacking. So, as a leader in your business, when you hire great people be sure to create an environment and culture that has clear measures of success and a sense of purpose. Your team engagement will be incredible, and your clients will benefit from it.
Leading your clients
In tough regulatory and market times, your clients are seeking your leadership to help them navigate their course with appropriate investment choices and options. Your leadership gives them the comfort that you are focusing on their goals and aspirations, and that you will help them make effective decisions in times of change and uncertainty.
You may not always have the answers, and that’s okay. It’s not okay to stay silent and it doesn’t align to putting your client first; it doesn’t demonstrate leadership.
Community leadership
We are fortunate to work in an industry that provides great rewards in many ways, so it’s important that we give back. Leadership within your community makes a real difference in the world, and in today’s environment, transferring knowledge is powerful. A colleague shares this very simple philosophy: see one, do one, teach one.
Put simply, it means you are taught something (see one), you implement that knowledge (do one) and you pass on that knowledge (teach one). If we all did that in our profession we would improve our own qualifications, empower others and create a community that takes responsibility for its actions.
Your behaviour, your actions and your decisions will define the measure of your leadership. Leadership of self, team, clients and your community will help you leave a legacy of true value.
