Not everyone can or should want to be a Leader. Ambition helps, but not on its own; self-confidence is vital, but too much will land you in trouble; determination is an asset, but achievement is the accurate measure of a Leader. Unsurprisingly, leaders tend to be handed the most difficult tasks, usually when existing management has failed. Investors, Owners, and Stakeholders will regard Leadership as the key when a significant change is required. That is why they hire Leaders - otherwise, they would do it themselves!

 

Leadership is primarily about getting things done; investors know that transforming an organisation's economic future requires lots of doing! Significantly, they go to great lengths to seek out people with experience in turning organisations around and believe a track record in Leading a turnaround is essential.  

Investors turn to Leadership when the task at hand becomes more than just improving - transformation is not simply about improving an organisation - it is way more dramatic than that. 

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By its very nature, turning around a failing organisation requires difficult decisions. I often had to make decisions that adversely impacted the lives of hard-working people. A Leader's task is often unpopular, can be viewed as ruthless, and open to criticism by those inside and outside an organisation.

 

Leadership is not for everyone. Indeed, it is only for the few by its very nature. Creating a more efficient and stable environment requires a Leader to work with determination, foresight and humility. For example, working long hours (try 24/7), being prepared to sacrifice your time, money, and effort, and having the guts to take the rap when things go wrong. Be prepared to spend extended periods away from your family and friends. You can live in a bunker if you want to be a boss, but Leaders never operate from a bunker - they live with and amongst their people. They will be at the forefront of helping people to learn and develop new skills before it's too late. 

 

Leaders understand the extent of a challenge.

Leaders know what it is going to take.

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Survival is the priority in any business. Leadership is a two-sided coin, not just its benefits but also the sacrifices needed to succeed. Leaders know, and most are not accountants, install healthy financial policies, strong cash flow and balance sheet improvement as necessary for the organisation's long-term success.

 

Nothing prepares you for Leadership more than doing what you know needs to be done.

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Leaders must have the capability and persistence to influence people and events and be ready to show people that their solution is clear to everyone and worth the effort. Leaders understand that the success of a turnaround depends not only on their actions -  but also on others. They always ensure people understand, are involved in, and embrace their plans and vision for the organisation. Life as a Leader allows you to become wise through actual experiences. That is why Leaders bounce back from failures - they instinctively know that great success is often born out of failure. 

 

So, if you think you have what it takes to become a Leader, get ready to be tested every day—become obsessed with learning your markets, spending time with all who work for you, develop your strategy based on what you know, not just what you hear. 

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​Leaders must have the ability to transmit their vision clearly and be understood.  

 Only the converted will recognise you as authentic and follow you as their Leader.

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Once a Leader

- Always a Leader.