Leadership is one of those subjects everyone has an opinion about. Visit any library or bookshop and you’ll find shelves of books written about leadership from military personnel to famous sportspeople, through to business pioneers and politicians. So one has to ask, why are we all not great leaders?

Equally true, if you ask most individuals, you’ll find we have worked for managers that are seen as role models and those that are, in our eyes – nothing of the sort. This opens the discussion of whether management is leadership; are people born to be leaders? By this logic does that mean some of us will never be leaders?

If I look at leadership from an Information Technology point-of-view, we have three generic types of leadership. ‘People’, ‘matrix’, and ‘technical’ and just to add an extra layer of complexity, sometimes all three are required at the same time. So, how does this connect with the FUTURE LEADERS ACADEMY?Simple really, we in IT at Kiwibank needed to develop what I describe as our most important leaders - our operational team leaders.

On one side of the coin, we already had great team leaders; technically competent, good managers of process but all the same, still requiring some development in leadership. Those team leaders had already identified this development need and had become slightly frustrated that an appropriate course had not yet been found to aid with their capability uplift.

This prompted the first of two Kiwibank teams meeting with Future Leaders Academy staff for the 3 day upskilling experience. Given the brief on the course, there was no doubt that the teaching/learning style could have been seen as perplexing, direct and maybe a bit confrontational for some of the Kiwibank staff – particularly around being challenged to step out of their comfort zone...

I won’t cover what the teams completed during the course as I am sure other people can explain this far better than I could, however I do want to cover a couple of my own observations and some of the feedback commentary that I received during and post the course. From what I’ve come to see, the course was very much about ‘practical leadership’ of our team leaders and encouraging the opportunity for these cross functional teams to work as a unit outside of the confines of the workplace - performing simple to difficult and on occasions, near impossible tasks together. My observations of the Kiwibank staff - they were channelled, forced out of their comfort zone, but always supported and encouraged by Jethro (and team) and their Kiwibank peers.

What did become very clear was the methodology of Appreciation, Planning, Communicate, Coordinate and Evaluate process often saved the day. Being allowed to ‘learn’ this in a safe and supported place was also welcomed. Prior to attending the course many had made comment about not having the time. Balancing this with their voluntary feedback and without exception, the attendees all praised the course. The style of learning aided with realistic ways in which they could (both individually and as a team) make some positive changes to their leadership styles on their return to the workplace.

Now, a couple of months on, the attendees are still speaking about the course and working together as a team to follow-up on their actions and goals set over the three days. This has resulted in enhanced leadership within Kiwibank’s IT function and by referring back to this learning and development from the Future Leaders Academy, will continue to grow that leadership capability into the future.

Feb 26th – Mar 5th 2017.

After all of the build up, things put in place, set backs then full acceleration, it was really happening. We were off! Project Aitutaki, our voluntary mission in the Cook Islands. A whole week of Confidence Building and Leadership Training for the beautiful, Araura school.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a warm hug and a traditional lay from Araura School’s wonderful Principal, Tracy and her daughter Ruby.

Straight to it, no mucking about, we scooted off on scooters to our accommodation, led by the lovely caretaker of the Amuri Guest House, Rose. Health and Safety was left somewhere under a seat on the plane, as alas, no helmets could be located on the island. Instead, a sideways look for asking the question and a good old concrete pill to harden up!

With temperatures of 30 odd degrees well into the evening, coconuts fresh off the tree for breakfast, lunch and tea was looking the most likely pick on the menu, but we branched out from that, picking papayas and making lemon tea straight from the tree.

Church on Sunday was an Island custom we obliged, and what a blessing it was. Singing to make your hairs stand on end. Afterward, sourcing equipment in prep for our week was somewhat of a challenge in itself, given Sunday is a day of rest, we needed to do anything but. We zipped around on our scooters, scouting locations for projects… and sussing out the best swimming spots.

but... an invigorating and inspiring introduction to how it’s done, ‘Island Stylez’. It was a slow start, giving 110% as teachers in order to receive back an adequate amount of energy to make the experience unique and memorable for the students. We enabled each other through teamwork, with a ‘play-together’ approach. No child was to be put on the spot until prepared and built up with enough positive support and self-confidence. We were spurred on for the week ahead and boy would you believe I was knackered from the day. Out-to it as soon as ours heads hit the pillow. Needless to say, it was gonna be a challenge, both for us as teachers and trainers as well as the students themselves. If I’m honest, we were up against the heat and a diverse group of individuals of varying enthusiasm and willingness to be there. Why, one might ask? What an opportunity! But we were aware of the foreign territory, and the differing cultural norms and way of life. One thing remained; we were in it together. Adapting, stretching, learning, growing, playing together. And that was the key. Once we broke down the barriers. The pride, ego and insecurities which held ourselves and others back, we could see the project for what it was. We laughed, sweated, battled, debated, challenged, played, swam at each day’s end, sung and some cried together. A combination of personal and cultural factors meant many students weren’t eating each day. This was perhaps tougher for us to comprehend as trainers with the nature of our work being such high intensity, we rely greatly upon food and fluids to fuel us every day (especially in this foreign heat). So we naturally expect the same for our students in order for them to reach their own full potential. We therefore took it upon ourselves and I whizzed around by scooter, mustering what I could to cook up a mean feed for those students who didn’t have lunch. Despite our efforts, this made little difference to energy levels, but the intention was there. Perhaps it simply came down to the intensity of our program catching up with the group. Mid week we were treated to Island Night Shows with buffet dinners where our students were a part of the dance, drum and fire stick ensembles. It was pretty breathtaking the level of skill involved and was so nice to see our students in their element, performing with real purpose and passion. Wednesday arvo, and the Marrzipan group performed! After much apprehension to begin with, my 15 put on a spectacle to the whole of years 7 through 10 on the stage of the school hall to deafening cheers and support from peers throughout the self-devised show. Some would have never dreamed they’d be standing where they were, delivering a phenomenal display of new self-confidence and ability. Their gratitude for what they had the privilege of experiencing with Marrzipan was humbling. In one of my student’s words “I’m going to be an actress one day!”. Our audience were full of congratulations for their friends who had the bravery to perform and were approaching me expressing their astonishment at the quality of the show and their keenness to get involved next time round. Just down the road in the community hall at the end of the following day, the Future Leaders group of 45 odd bellied with laughter at Davina’s final video edit, highlighting their week that had been. They sung their hearts out as a final thank you and goodbye and some were reduced to tears at what they’d achieved through the program as a result of the influence and motivation of their trainers. They stood and spoke like real leaders about their experience with us. On the Friday morning, the day before our departure from Aitutaki, we conducted a school project as a group, putting our new leadership skills to work, laying gravel under a shelter, erecting posts in a field for vines to grow, stripping and clearing rows of banana trees and mowing the lawns. So fulfilling to see the transformation in these young adults. The initiative, drive, teamwork and enjoyment on show was so encouraging. It was the first of many overseas projects to come. No, it didn’t go perfectly smoothly or as planned by the book. As Chief Jethro says, “no plan survives the hour”. Heck, we’ve got the battle scars to prove it. I came off my scooter with minor scrapes and bruises as did Davina, whilst JP and his team came away with cuts from hidden coral. Some handled the insect bites better than others too… ha ha. Nevertheless, we hope to turn what could be classed as a once in a lifetime opportunity, into an ongoing venture of ours to extend our influence across oceans and make a real difference in young lives.

2017 Executive Student Committee Leader - Arts @ Wellington Girls College

In terms of the course itself, it without a doubt helped improve my leadership skills. Before I attended the course, I didn’t know that much about how to be a leader. The only skill I felt I had was the ability to talk confidently. However there is so much more you learn in terms of strategic ways to get people involved, effective communication skills, and how to make a situation enjoyable, approachable and achievable. I did this course in 2016 when I was yr 12 and I was lucky enough in yr 13 to gain a prefect position at my school (Wellington Girls’ College). I am titled as Head of Arts and am part of the prefect executive team. I do honestly owe a lot of this to Future Leaders, as I certainly do think that from this training I was able to grasp skills that helped me achieve this position. I have also been able to lead several groups within my school. I am directing both our school Stage Challenge and Senior Drama Production, both of which are quite large, daunting tasks. However with the skills I’ve learnt, I do believe that I have grown as a leader and am able to successfully carry out a task or in this case production. For anyone considering or thinking about doing a course at Future Leaders Academy, I would 100% recommend it. Coming away from the course in 2016, I told all of my friends about it and how incredible the experience was. I can understand that it may be quite scary and daunting to do something like this away from home and with people you’ve never met. However that’s all part of it. Just remember that the world is like that. You will most likely be faced with the situation of having to meet new people and going somewhere you've never been before. However it’s all about learning, understanding, changing and growing as a person. Trust me in saying that you will not regret this opportunity!

Last week a news piece was published about two well-known sports stars, who were (they've now been sacked due to their behaviour) the senior leaders of an international sports team, I won't name them here. A lot of damage has been done to their credibility, but also the reputation of the team. Ultimately this behaviour significantly impacts the team's ability to do it's job - WIN GAMES.

For an example of effective team leadership, I recently observed a leader who did lead by example in a small business environment. I observed the organisation's owner supporting a Values & Vision session for their business. The facilitator of the session was tasked with helping the small business to develop their values and vision, as this had been lacking in the workplace for some time. Most of the staff (team members) lacked the vision of what they were trying to achieve and in turn were mostly 'singing of their own sheets of music'. The aim was to create synergy for the small business and give direction to the team members. Obviously (or sometimes not when running a small business and having to wear many hats) having all team members heading in the same direction will increase effectiveness, productivity and achieving the key task of delivering a quality service/product while making profit. The part which was great to see in this case was the business owner being present during this session, giving endorsement to the facilitator so the team also took it seriously, then genuinely participating in all of the activities during the session. Leading by example in this situation ensured the team got the most out of the session, as the tone and expectations were set by the leader.

So, we can all agree that a team leader mustlead by example and that this character trait is one of the most important qualities of a good leader. Here are a number of areas that leading by example can influence within the team and the task at hand:

The standards you want from your team membersThe manner in which people should interact with others in and outside of the teamDelivering a high standard/quality of work or outputThe commitment team members will show toward each other and the taskThe reputation of the teamThe agreed team valuesMaintaining discipline and acceptable behaviours

The above outcomes of leading by example can be easily achieved and below are a few tips that a team leader can use. Bear in mind that if some of these things are not a habit, they could be written down and actively practiced on a daily basis:

Set the standards

Treat all people with respect.

Show empathy when needed, be firm but fair as required. Aim to be approachable and create opportunities for your team to talk and share.

Commitment

Showing commitment to see a task to the end while maintaining standards, putting in the extra time needed on occasion, and following through on what you say you are going to do. This will demonstrate to the outside world how you and your team are committed and your team will know that you have their back's and will go the extra mile.

Team values

Ensure you conduct a session with your team to get a group consensus as to what your values should be, then make sure as the leader you uphold the values as though they are the 10 Commandments! Hold your team members accountable if they don't display the values, and make sure your team hold you accountable also.

Acceptable behaviour

Linked closely to standards, you must be fair but steadfast and show courage to hold yourself and you team responsible for any behaviour which jeopardises your team or your task. Be consistent, show no favouritism and remember that behaviour, standards and values should be 'bigger' than any one individual.

In April we had 11 students from Year 12 & 13 from the Wellington and Manawatu regions attend our two-day Foundation Leadership Course - BRONZE. These students are participating in the Young Enterprise Scheme through their high school, and are in the role of CEO of their small business. Although the students have ended up in their business’s leadership role, they had not been specifically trained on the practical requirements of team leadership. For those past students who have completed our training, you will know what these young leaders went through during the two days to develop their understanding and basic leadership abilities. What is pleasing to see from the Future Leaders Academy point of view, is the calibre of the CEO’s who participate in the scheme. Instructors JP and Jethro attended the YES National Awards event last December and were blown away by the talent of the young people who have the natural potential as leaders. By offering our leadership training in collaboration with Young Enterprise we aim to enhance the functional leadership abilities of these CEO’s to help produce better results in their YES business during the year. More importantly we want to develop them as leaders who can contribute and influence more effectively in the wider school environment, the workforce and the community once they finish school. Watch this space for the joint initiative between YES and FLA to be bigger and better in 2018.