I read something this week from a lovely colleague asking about leaders who have inspired. It got me thinking about what I have learned from
the most exceptional bosses in my career, and in turn, what qualities I hope to have passed on over the years.
At the start of our careers, we all have this image of the type of leader we will become. It is kind of like that time before we become
parents. We imagine our firm kindness and our patience while passing on our knowledge and that our team/family would, without question,
follow our lead. Maybe I am projecting and that was just me, but the possibility of greatness in this time was tangible. I wanted to inspire
and lead my team through mutual respect. The reality, of course, was vastly different. My first foray into management, I was 24 and way out
of my depth. I was an outsider, plonked into an existing team where I had no idea what I, or they, were doing. I would call my management
style in those days as friendly neglect. It could have been a disaster, everyone doing whatever they liked. But thankfully, I was saved by
the exemplary mentoring skills of my boss, leading by example. Imagine, the poshest, most respectful, English gentleman, with the plumiest
accent, in a three-piece suit (with a pocket-watch) sharing his lifetime of corporate management and accounting experience with a baby-faced
Aussie traveller. In the first month, I learnt more from him than I had in the 2 years I had spent in my previous role. I was like a sponge.
His biggest lessons were actually quite simple, trust and respect. We both knew that the job was way too big for me, but he never made me
feel that. He encouraged, guided, and believed in me until I had the knowledge and confidence to do a bloody excellent job in the role. I
have a soft spot for that job for another reason, as that is where I met my wonderful hubby of 35 years.
The other leader I always aspire to be was much later in my career. I had taken 6 years out of employment to have a family and was terrified
to go back to work. I was so nervous, I only applied for jobs that I was sure I would not get. It sounds ridiculous, but keeping my
expectations low meant I went to interviews for massive roles and was totally myself; quirky, chatty and way too honest. When I landed one
of these huge corporate jobs, I was gobsmacked. I actually asked them if they had made a mistake. The flipside of my interview success was
it was also really, really hard. For the first three months, I would come home from work every day, lock myself in my walk-in robe and sob.
The only thing that made me keep going back every day was my wonderful boss. She could see I was struggling and gave me belief and
confidence when I was bereft of both. Honestly, part of her fabulousness and why I went back was I so damn proud to be working for such an
incredibly kick ass, inspiring woman busting through the glass ceiling in a male dominated industry. She rocked!
I have been so lucky in many parts of my life and exceptional mentors seems to be one of those parts. My hope is that I learned these
lessons well and am now paying it forward. All of us need leaders that inspire us. I hope you have had some in your career.
Talking of inspiration, I have spent the last few days at #thebookkeeperevent, the ABN conference in Adelaide. I am blown away with the knowledge and collegiate attitude of everyone one in this room. So glad I came. I have already learnt so much and have a full day to of fun to go.
Go hug your favourite boss and Stay Appy!
