Leadership, Finance, Women and Membership Organisations

 Last week I met up with Ha-Dieu Ford. Ha-Dieu is the Chair of Women in Finance in Victoria, a position she has taken on with a wealth of experience in the financial sector since completing initial financial studies in the 1990's.

Our discussion revolved around Ha-Dieu's thoughts about Responsible Leadership which is one of her core interests with being Effective in Business.

Ha-Dieu explained that Responsible Leadership is about focusing on a style of business across all sectors that incorporates:

  • Communications
  • Outcomes
  • Results and
  • Feelings

To start, leaders need to move away from blame and take personal responsibility for outcomes and mistakes. It important as leaders that you ask yours questions on how you are contributing to your own professional development, your team, your stakeholders, your industry and our organisation.

Read the rest of this post »

December Responsible Leadership Newsletter

Responsible Leadership Membership Newsletter
Hello 

Welcome to our December 2010 Monthly Newsletter

In This Edition:



Have a Really GOOD Festive Season!!!

The Responsible Leadership Team hope you have a very enjoyable festive season that brings you all you wish for leading in to a prosperous and successful 2011.

Find some interesting links for reading about leadership and in particular Responsible Leadership over the break below...

We are also negotiating with leaders about further discussions of Irresponsible Leadership and where leadership has gone wrong into 2011... Stay tuned.

If you are looking for ways to be GOOD and support projects and charities needing help that have been recommended by our network click here


Positions Vacant - Ready for a Change?

Are you ready for a change into 2011?

Currently, Responsible Leadership have roles available in business partnership and development.

One role focusses on Development of People through developing Responsible Leadership skills

The second role focusses on Communication Development

Both roles are contractual positions.

To discuss further and receive a position description, please Contact Us

In 2011 we will have many more roles available for our members via our network and our partners networks..


Have you provided your input with The Responsible Leadership ROAD MAP?

Hundreds of executives completed our initial survey about Responsible Leadership here

Executives from across the globe attended our first international conference on responsible leadership and provided their input - a summary is shown here

Now, you can join these contributions to date and contribute to the Responsible Leadership ROAD MAP - a white paper that will be released in 2011.

Contribute here


2011 Responsible Leadership HR and People Development Services

Responsible Leadership and Total Executive collaborate with Leading Product and Service providers to provide customised services for our clients.

Our HR and People Development Services cater for Executives and Their Staff.

All product and service providers we collaborate with have been reviewed through our stringent vetting program. Generally, they lead their field in areas where they hold competitive advantage.

We consult with clients to determine how to best service their needs, then put together the best collection of product and service providers to service your requirements.

HR and People Development Services provided by Responsible Leadership and Total Executive include:

  • Exclusive benefits when studying with Open Universities as shown here
  • World leading Diagnostic and Profiling Tools
  • Coaching and Mentoring for Executives and Their Staff
  • Teamwork and Social Awareness Training
  • CSR and Business Sustainability analysis, consultation, education and recommendation
  • and much more
View the Total Product and Service options provided by Total Executive here

To arrange an obligation free consultation, Contact Us

To be considered as a potential service or product provider into 2011 Contact Us


2011 Total Executive Member Benefits - A GIFT worth Giving

You are receiving this Responsible Leadership newsletter as a Total Executive member who we have supported to date with information, research and/or services.

As a gift for your peers and staff into 2011, you can provide them complimentary Total Executive membership by simply forwarding them this email and have them email us at Grant@TotalExec.com.au.

Your gift will save them $495:00 in 2011.

Current Total Executive benefits exclusive to you are described below including...

View the full list of Total Executive membership benefits here

Have you caught up with our Responsible Leadership interviews?


In this last quarter of 2010 we have conducted over 800 interviews and surveys with leaders about their thoughts on Responsible Leadership.

For security reasons, many of those interviews and surveys can only be published anonymously, given the insights into Irresponsible Leadership provided.

To recommend an interview or article please Contact Us

View articles released to date here

Or, view a selection below...


Leadership, Finance, Women and Membership Organisations
Ha-Dieu Ford - Chair, Women In Finance

Ha-Dieu has a wealth of knowledge in the finance sector and as the Chair of Women in Finance provides her thoughts on Responsible Leadership here


Leadership and Boards of Directors
John Vines - Chair, IBSA - Innovation and Business Skills Australia

John Vines has many years experience on boards, particularly those with a focus on innovation and provides his thoughts on what future boards need to focus on here


Responsible Leadership Staff Development improves many Aspects of Business
Kristen Hansen - National Sales Manager, Calidad

Kristen has been managing staff throughout her career and has some interesting stories to tell here


Responsible Leadership within the Aviation Industry
David Epstein - Group Executive, Qantas Government and Corporate Affairs

David is a senior executive at Qantas and is on the Qantas Foundation board of Directors. Learn about his thoughts on Responsible Leadership here


Building Collaborative and Innovative Partners
Darren Coomber - CEO InnovationXchange - IXC Australia

Darren's Life revolves around innovation as CEO of the IXC. In this interview Darren explains the importance of Responsible Leadership for collaborative partnerships here


Responsible and Sustainable Leadership
Dr James Moody - Executive Directr, CSIRO and Author, The 6th Wave

James has some amazing insights into the longevity of leadership here


The Key to Responsible Leadership is Empowerment
Narelle Kennedy - Australian Business Foundation CEO

Narelle questions the concept of Responsible Leadership as separate category of Leadership. Responsible Leadership is much broader than CSR and Sustainability.
View the interview here


Responsible Leadership is about Creating a Legacy
Paul Thorley - CEO, Capgemini - Australia and New Zealand

Paul talks about cultural development within an organisation and the importance of long term values. Every leader brings new skills and values to their business.
View the interview here


A Leader is NOT a Leader, They are a Follower
Manoj Nagpaul - CEO, WiPro Australia

Leadership is about Enablement and Accountability. Successful Leaders play a role in every team...
View the interview here


Leadership, Intellectual Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence
Leigh Mathews - Australian Leadership Awardee - Future Summit 2009

With an isightful mind, Leigh explains the importance of adaptive leadership into the future...
View the interview here


How Collaboration and Commercialisation support a Responsible Business
Rowan Gilmore - CEO, Australian Institute of Commercialisation

Rowan explains how important responsibility is in business relationships here


How Responsible Leadership Works in the Talent & Recruitment Industry
Paul Jury - General Manager, Talent and Recruitment Talent2 - Australia and New Zealand

Paul discusses the multi-dimentional components of Responsible Leadership and the importance of looking after all stakeholders.
View the interview here


Our Ethics as Leaders are Created Through Life
Dr Helen Paige - Founder, The Paige Group

Helen discusses how the way we lead begins with the way lead our lives. When someone comes to a new position they bring with them their 'own package'...
View the interview here


What Responsible Leadership Means to the Digital World
Peter Williams - CEO, Deloitte Digital

Peter discusses his thoughts on how leaders need to trust their staff more, so they can benefit from the digital wave...
View the interview here


Responsible Leadership in The Field of Innovation
Joss Evans - CEO, Innovic

Joss discusses where leadership can go right and wrong when working with innovation...
View the interview here


Looking at what our Future Leaders Want
Mike Wynter - Founder, Logical Creativity
Mike understands the thought processes of our younger generations as explained...
View the interview here


Leadership and Community Projects
Tania De-Jong - Founder, Creativity Australia

Tania describes why to make a project work requires commitment from the start...
View the interview here


What Responsible Leadership Means to the Education Sector
Neil Shilbury - CEO, Kaplan Australia

Neil provides a succinct view on rewarding appropriate behaviour and counselling innapropriate behaviour as a leader...
View the interview here


In The End - We Die
Ian Lyons - Internationally Recognised Communications Consultant

Ian looks at why we are on this planet and what are we really living to achieve here


Responsible Leadership begins with Good Communication and Trust
Broni Cooper - Human Resource Advisor, Amber Technology

Broni has worked both in marketing and people, her thoughts are invaluable here


Cornerstones of a Responsible Leader
Martin Stewart-Weeks - Director, Cisco

Outside of Martins work with Cisco he also works with the Australian Social Innovation Exchange. He has some great thoughts here


Respect Your Elders
Jono Hennessy Sceats - International Designer and Entrepreneur

Jono always likes getting back to basics as explained here


How do you Re-Create DNA?
Dr David Skellern - CEO, NICTA

David has some interesting thoughts on engaging staff here


Will Australia Remain The Lucky Country?
Tara Cheesman - Founder and Executive Director, Corporate Responsibility Network Australia

Tara covers some serious topics that business and government leaders should be considering here


The Consequences of Thinking and Behaviour
Jon Pratlett, Founder Mind The Gap

John highlights a variety of thoughts and methodologies relevant to leaders here


Measuring Leadership and its Contradictions
Lanning Bennett - Founder, The COI Group

Lanning has created analytics to measure people from so many organisations worldwide. Learn from his thoughts here


What Executives Think about Leadership
Kelly Magowan - CEO, Six Figures

Kelly is leading new inroads for executive recruitment, her future thoughts are inspiring here


Having Trouble Sleeping?
Dr Peter Farrell - Founder and Chairman, Resmed

Peter always has enlightening thoughts. Learn how 'Honesty and Trust' may be why you may not be sleeping well here


Open Knowledge Economies and The Responsibility of Leaders
Grant Kearney - Founder IXC International and Owner Connected Knowledge

Grant lets leaders know the best way to impact developing economies here


Keys to Successful Entrepreneurs - A Comparison of Eastern and Western Cultures
Peter Church, Chairman, AFG Venture Group

Peter provides insights from India and Asia on our similarities and differences in leadership here


The Benefits of Responsible Leadership in a Growing Business
Leanne Faulkner - Founder, Billy Goat Soap

From small to medium size business, your stepping stones are here


Responsible Leadership - An Introduction from our MC and Chair
Bob Bloom - Retired US CEO of Publicis Worldwide, Author The New Experts and The Inside Advantage

Bob provides insights into where he sees leadership is having problems globally here

Into 2011 we will be interviewing many more leaders from Australia and overseas.

To recommend an interview or article please Contact Us


To have further conversation with any of the leaders Responsible Leadership and Total Executive interview, Contact Us Directly


We wish you all the best for 2011 and beyond...

      
   
      
      
      
      

   
     
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Results of Responsible Leadership 2010 Live Conference of Leaders

RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP 2010 ONLINE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE RESULTS

Immortalise Thought & Help Create Leaders

Robert (Bob) H. Bloom
Retired US CEO Publicis Worldwide - Author The Inside Advantage and The New Experts

Chairman and MC

Bob chaired the online conference this morning Thursday November 11th 2010 with leaders attending from Australia and other global locations.

Attendants included Chairmen and Chair Women of some of Australia's premier organisations, CEO's and Managing Directors, Human Resource Directors, Sales and Marketing Directors, Owners and Founders of businesses, Consultants and Students - our future leaders already recognised for their experience before entering into employment...

Several Topics were covered as listed below.

We have provided a selection of the feedback provided by these leaders under each topic.

We are now looking for YOUR FEEDBACK on these topics - contributehere

Your feedback will be collected to join with all the research we have gathered to date to help produce...

The Global ROADMAP for Responsible Leadership into 2010 and beyond

So far we have had hundreds of executives complete our SURVEY and dozens of leaders have been interviewed about their thoughts on Responsible Leadership as shown HERE

We look forward to your support of this global initiative

(Please note: Attendant feedback on the inaugural Responsible Leadership conference is provided beneath this summary of leaders responses to the topics covered...)

Topic #1

Responsible Leadership is defined as…

Empowering others with guidance whilst helping them achieve the best they can be, encouraging moral and ethical conduct…

So they can guide and support others simultaneously...

What additions would you make to this definition in relation to the global marketplace?

Selected Responses:

  • Every form of leadership should be accountable. Responsible leadership should also be accountable!
  • Leadership whether responsible or otherwise will only work with a focus on the long term…
  • Empathy and emotion are a big part of this definition I believe
  • Accountability
  • for the advancement of all stakeholders
  • Social innovation should be included in the definition
  • encouraging is a nice word and probably appropriate, but if we are really responsible leaders we must ensure moral and ethical conduct in those we empower
  • Responsible leadership should be based on the ethics and values of our society as a whole, taking from knowledge we have via the not for profit and community services sectors and incorporating those values into how we run business and government.
  • A responsible Leadership definition should take account of the advantages of using all the best technology and communications available to us so we can best respond to the needs of customers, society, stakeholders and staff.
  • Responsible leadership considers all global communities as businesses extend globally
  • None.
  • The leader's vision casting must reflect and embody his ethical values.
  • Competitive advantage through responsible leadership is the way forward
  • Competitive advantage is not the most important element - society is! Particularly globally!
  • Competitive advantage needs to be presented as the benefit for businesses focussing on the long term - including society
  • I like the idea of empowerment of others
  • Another matter to be considered (particularly with respect to global communities) is how you establish how you define morals OR ethics; this deffinition presuposses a shared or agreed lnowledge and understanding of the term(s)
  • We need real leadership, governed by an agreed standard.
  • Being aware of the implications of my decisions as a leader for my business, relationships, staff and family members
  • Being across your business and taking forward your learnings and experiences to help all business and the market to move forwards.
  • Helping others in the community understand insights and key ideas for bettering the future
  • In relation to the Global Marketplace is tough! With so much hardship around the world and so much graft and corruption distorting any efforts to help the particularly needy - the only real solution is to concentrate on the 'ordered' societies and let the others succumb to revolution - where hopefully less corrupt regimes will emerge

Topic #2:

What are the key fundamentals of a responsible leader, ethically and on a philanthropic level?

  • Responsible leaders look long term
  • Ethically - work in the interests of all of those served: Shareholders, employees, customers and suppliers. Subjugate personal interests
  • Caring for others - without caring for others their responsibility can be seen as shallow…
  • They come from heart first then head
  • Every responsible leader looks at what their business needs, customers, staff, stakeholders, society and develop a strategy that aligns with these needs
  • ethics are key for a responsible leader - they need integrity
  • It's OK to have ethics if you are accountable for your actions
  • I think gratitude is important and acknowleding your gratitude
  • Do unto others as they would do to you.... this saying holds true today as it has done so for many hundreds of years.
  • Take time to think before your act and assess likely outcomes from different perspectives.
  • Take into account how your decisions will affect and be taken by partners, staff, customers and others.
  • Another big question! Ethically, treat all of the persons he serves with dignity and fairness - and by this is meant - shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers and governments. The highest urgency is for leaders to stop grubbing in the food trough and taking the maximum they possibly can from themselves. Philantrophy from commercial business is a nonsense - unfairly distributed - serving the interests of the philanthropist - this is the region of enlightened government - elected to serve their people
  • An observation on this issue; I have noted a high degree of volunteerism as a core value in many leaders I classify as responsible leaders
  • Supporting causes is great when you have the cash, though in-kind support is I beliueve the best way to support communities and NFPs so they can learn how to be more successful
  • humility
  • self awareness, balanced, doing the right thing for the right reasons at the right time even in the face of adversity
  • transparency
  • They dont offer leadership in or to businesses that prey on the weak. eg people in addiction
  • TRUSTED
  • Creating Consensus
  • Integrity - in mind body spirit
  • Adaptable to changing situations and circumstances
  • Can handle ambiguity - is not 'black and white'
  • Is analytical - can get to the core issue quickly
  • Astute people selection - does not seek clones but rather those who complement his / her skills and who won't be afraid to challenge
  • Balanced - has a life outside the office
  • Challenges the status quo
  • Clarity - can think and talk clearly, stays focussed
  • Is a willing and available coach / mentor to others
  • Shows commitment - to the business, the task in hand, the executive team and staff generally
  • A good communicator- both in one-to-one and group situations, as well as in writing - in substance and not just style
  • Competent in the role / level
  • Confident of his / her ability but keenly sensitive to the dangers of hubris
  • Has the courage of his / her convictions- particularly in troubled times, but is not foolhardy
  • Delegates - doesn't try to do everything him/herself, but expects accountability
  • Is clear on his / her direction - knows where they are heading and why, and how to get there
  • Has 'emotional intelligence' - can empathise and manage relationships with others
  • Is energetic - but knows when to slow down / switch off
  • Is engaging - and genuinely interested in people and their well-being
  • Minimises the casualties from his / her decisions 
  • Maintains focus on the strategic direction
  • Generates 'buy-in' from all parties
  • Humility - keeps feet on the ground
  • Has high standards of integrity - and insists on the same from others
  • Intellect - has a high level of intelligence
  • Exercises sound judgement - particularly under pressure
  • Knows the business and its operating environment well
  • Knows the questions to ask
  • Is a good listener, emotionally as well
  • Is numerate - can read and understand financial statements
  • Doesn't 'play games' or mess people around - ensures others do likewise
  • Is passionate - about life, the business, family, other interests
  • Has top grade people skills - encourages their input, values their opinions, develops their skills and is motivating, supportive, caring and constructively critical
  • Is perceptive - can read situations and other people well
  • Persists - when the going gets tough...
  • Is persuasive - without being bullying or dogmatic
  • Prioritises tasks - works on the important stuff
  • Is resilient - bounces back from setbacks
  • Is self-aware and self critical - knows his / her deficiencies and addresses them; can accept criticism from others
  • Has a healthy self-esteem - but does not believe he / she is infallible
  • Is strategic in thinking and outlook - but is also aware that successful implementation is what counts
  • Is a team player - not an autocrat, gives credit to others and seeks and values their opinions
  • Trusts others - but verifies what she or he is told
  • Is trusted by others - is honest in all dealings
  • Understands the 'value proposition' of the business
  • Is unwavering in the pursuit of his / her goals - but is aware of risks, monitors progress and is not afraid to change course when needed 
  • Has clearly developed and articulated values
  • Is visionary - can see the big picture and read future trends
  • Walks the talk - always
  • Is consistent and even-handed in behaviours and decisions
  • Watches the details - while delegating and not getting bogged down him / herself; well understands that inattention to the detail can bring them undone
  • Is not afraid to admit mistakes - learns from them and moves on
  • Has a degree of luck, even though it is true that we can make our own. Sometimes, just being in the right place at the right time does help!
  • builds other leadership roles replaces themselves effectivly

Topic #3:

What do you see as the key challenges for responsible leaders across commerce, communities and cultures?

  • communication
  • Developing strategy across global boundaries
  • managing and developing culture that shares the values we want to work with
  • continuing to be competitive as a small business givinf back to our community as larger competitors with more resources continue to screw our supply chain
  • People's general Intransigence
  • Differences in values, communication style and culture
  • Collaboration keeps being presenteds as the key but how do we collaborate without giving away secrets and our IP?
  • supply chains are the key to help manage communications
  • with a global organisation cultural differences play an important part in everything we do. The biggest challenge is having the right people to engage in the local commerce and community with specific skills that align with each culture we work in.
  • people harbouring lower level values and not letting go of them
  • proactively promote diversity
  • Cultures are dynamic and they change - creating challenges in how to keep on top of these dynamics
  • Greed
  • Different generations working together because their needs, wants and values are different
  • Scarcity mentality
  • Every time I hear the word global I think what is the future of small businesss. If we are looking at this topic globally, then looking at the concept as a reasonably small business owner I would suggest that every global organisation looks at how they work with these elements and challenges as if they were a small business in each area or country
  • Government regulations and big business thinking, stifling innovation and creativity
  • we need to empower those to own the issues and find the solutions in their own communities, we can show and guide them, however we cant do it for them
  • Be able to find the time.. don't rush into making decisions.
  • Also be prepared to make the decison and then implement it as soon as possible.
  • Be prepared to stand by your deciision, however unpopular. However, always assess the imlications and changes that may force a rethink and need for a new direction
  • Commerce - maintain the temp of economic development so that everyone is able to participate in the general wealth rather than an elitist few.
  • Communities - perhaps the community in greatest need is India. The challenge is the fair distribution of wealth and the abandonment of the absurdity of the caste system
  • Cultures - all must learn to produce the rounded man and woman. Such areas continue to be dominated by the elites

Topic #4:

How do you see technology and communication can help responsible leaders provide solutions to address these challenges – more effectively and efficiently?

  • think it's great how we can communicate in so many ways now
  • it already is in a BIG way - the internet is exposing lack of integrity in ways we have never seen before
  • Dont use email! It is defunct the future options with technology available now are so much better and you no longer get spammed
  • Part of being responsible is being secure as technology helps more with this all the better
  • totally re converged communications via ICT and the Internet allows for many gains in communmication AND allows a choice for what works best approach if it flexible
  • one of the best things technology has given me is management of knowledge - this same process should be used in all leadership discussions so we all can collaborate efficiently
  • Its now so much easier to reach your target group more quickly and more cheaply than ever before
  • Leaders can now address problems and issues almost immediately (i.e. video conferencing). This can prevent any challenges from becoming worse. In addition, any unethical deals will be exposed immediately - knowledge for the people
  • technology only works when it is adopted by everyone usually only about 15% of people are early adopters - great to haveit but realistically our business wont use it till it is at least a couple years old and tried and tested
  • We should always ask ourselves how we can use technolgy to help solve problems and improve situations
  • Has to allow for options and variety of comms modalities though and we need to be able to 'value' each choosen method appropriatly
  • how would I ever have learnt about how to collaborate with you without google
  • telecommuting is a good option to move work to people and enable work life balance
  • There is too much communication and hype! I am limiting all the ways people communicate with me only contact me directly if you have something worthwhile to say or I will not only not respond I won't even look at it
  • We are starting to employ more young people and they are doing great work if we didn't allow them to use all this technology available they wouldn't work with us. They know how to use it and are bringing in more new busness than we could have ever expected. Facebook was the start, though now they are really getting into linkein and understand how to use it - we are talking with clients we never imagined - use these skills is my recommendation
  • technology is the tool but the focus must be on people's own behaviour and ethics, skills training in responsibility or relationship management is more important than new communication technology
  • I'm looking forward to technology when I no longer need to type - it's almost there
  • but you need to be cautious so that excessive communication does not supplant time spent on strategic thinking
  • A mechanism responsible leaders to be aware of the variety of updates that need skill development into the future with so many options
  • By being more aware of what is happening elsewhere.
  • Technology and the internet helps us to know more of what is happening.
  • However, always note that what is provided by the internet has been determined by someone else. In the end, you have to find out for yourself.
  • Technology by taking the manhours from the production process
  • Communication by permitting all to understand the basic humanity that drives us all irrespective of religion and other quaint and archaic beliefs

Topic #5:

How do you recommend responsible leaders work collaboratively into our future?

  • Networks like linkedin are helping a lot
  • more conferences like this with leaders from government nfp's and business
  • What is the context here? If it is business it is a totally different response to if it is charities…
  • created opportunities for idea exchange
    even TED helps
  • Companies need to look beyond the IP they are protecting to how it can help others everywhere
  • Network events and breakfast meetings with key speakers are very useful for future collaboration.
  • Share knowledge with those who need it in developing countries to help them develop further
  • working in the innovation area, you will be surprised who could be your collaborators into the future - from industries you would never consider even contacting
  • peer support networks
  • Collaborative technology like we are using works well - if it was easier to login to I like how are sharing ideas here to help provide the start of something - could be using this style of collaboration in many areas
  • industry or sector specific leaders to combine service offerings and present them as a consolidated offering
  • If you look at the fashion industry there is no IP - they make millions by always being new - what other industries could learn from this?
  • If companies looked less at how to protect their IP and more about how to share it they would probably make more profit - instead of paying the legals
  • I find forums are also very useful, both in sharing information and ideas as well as simply keeping in touch with your marketplace.
  • nothing replaces a phone call and face to face meeting
  • At the moment of truth when faced with the key ethical and moral issues responsible leaders will benefit with collaboration from like minded leaders outside the organisation. Sharing the issue, confronting the issues/solutions together, dealing with it as a group movement creates momentum to do the right things faster and more often.
  • We need to encourage responsible leadership and discourage the cut-throat tactics still so common.
  • Educational programs and the online programs you are doing
  • Examples of leaders that have acted responsibly and that there modus operandi is the means for lasting impact. Mandela and Gandi stand out because their achievements have lasted.
  • Through the institutions established for the purpose - in particular, the United Nations. Stop the so-called 'Great Powers' from undermining it or making it serve their interests.

Topic #6:

What are the key business models and processes that will help responsible leaders achieve ethical results across education, government, industry sectors you work within and society?

  • Integrity is key.
  • The model should be comprehensive, catering for all who will be affected.
  • Every business model must respond to the needs of shareholders / stakeholders, customers, staff, society - responsible leadership should be no different
  • Social awareness, and the decision to take positive action.
  • more business leaders need to be attracted and partcipate in the political process
  • We need to think beyond our generation for this - to kids who are not even born yet - that will be the core of these models
  • The key to getting the right business model is building the right culture
  • we need to find a way to bring responsible leadership into government as it seems almsot non existent in the major parties
  • Consistency of application across the government departments, consistent standards across Australia's education suite
  • Always question the business model. An innovative business model and the associated processes will always be developing.
  • I think if a business model is to represent the creation of a responsible leader, then it should connect with everyone who will be impacted when it is put into place by the processes thast are adopted
  • Ethical results across education, government industry and society - nice thought - reality?
  • As a follow on from - We need to think beyond our generation for this - to kids who are not even born yet - that will be the core of these models - We often have to consider how we define what are the stakeholders sometimes say in the world of Internet I work in we need to consider this - NOT yet connected to it yet...
  • I work within the mining sector, ethical results have come a long way - safety is one of them. Given what we mine, society is a stretch. Ethically, I believe will only be considered if there is a profit in it for the long term.
  • the model must be the river than runs through the landscape
  • Primarily a resurgence of communism
  • Providing more leadership opportunities for women will ensure ethics and responsibility are more strongly considered in business models for our future
  • In terms of business leaders, Murdoch is an outstanding example of dedication and foresight. He may not be as responsible as the others, but he has an enuring legacy

Topic #7:

From your experience with responsible leaders, what do you see as their key attributes and values as:

    1. Individuals
    2. Leaders of their profession
    3. Contributors to family and friends
    4. Supporters of society
    • caring is at the core of all of these areas
    • Every responsible leader lives their lives with integrity
    • emotional intelligent
    • You grow up with values, responsible leaders live with these ethical values wherever they go
    • A belief in people instead of just money
    • Consistency is a key element of responsibility
    • excellent at listening
    • abundance thinking
    • the ability to challenge others with conviction comes to mind here - leaders are always ready to debate the status quo and turn it into something better
    • creative thinking
    • continual learning
    • Without a balance between life and work many leaders fail their responsibilities. I challenge that people should consider contributions to family and friends and weave into their life the responsibilities of work wherever possible
    • Foresight, persistence, an ability to respond quickly to changes, build teamwork and inspire others to work with them to achieve common goals
    • Like Bill Clinton: Insight, Intelligence, Reasoning, Empathy, Goal-orientation, Humanity
    • Think before you act, intelligence and knowledge of how organisations and groups work.
    • Understanding, perception, empathy
    • Aways note that we have a limited time to achieve things in this lifetime. So we need to think of what we can leave for our children and their children.
    • The pursuit of equality
    • conceptual and futuristic thinking
    • All responsible leaders I know support society through the charities and causes of their choice, some even create their own foundations. Support of society is at every level of community and we can all learn every time an individual supports a society cause of their choice, whether they are a ceo or anyone else
    • continuing forward against heavy resistence
    • People person, integrity, honesty, accountability, listen to others, take feedback positively, continual learning, work-life balance, willingness to share, willingness to coach
    • give first
    • High energy; clear honesty and integrityvery open accountable and transparant in ALL they do; good communicator and a charismatic "natural leader"
    • A strong set of personal ethical values. Ability to cast the vision for their organisation and convince the key stakeholders both internal and external to adopt and implement that vision.
    • speak their truth - always
    • honest reflection coupled with honest projection
    • they do thier homework
    • can the author of 'abundance thinking' comment on what this is??
    • Looking at professions, I think governance is key to a responsible leader. If they can be measured independently of their success, then they have achieved. Without governance and measurement their responsible leadership could be viewed as selft righteous discussion into the future
    • Looking at the consequences of actions and the ability to look at the long term effects
    • I forgot to add - commitment and focused
    • systems thinking
    • Willing to Take Risks
    • loving acceptance
    • Speak up and use an honest assessment of where they are at - younger group sometimes idealistic but inspiring
    • Having a belief in the people around them and not just the financial outcome.
    • they are responsible for everything that comes out of thier mouth
    • learning agility
    • No blaming or shaming (ie, Political parties dont have leaders)

    Topic #8:

    How can we improve education, training and coaching initiatives to further encourage responsible leadership?

    • It begins with mentoring
    • Depends on the industry, will be different for government in comparison to the education sector and business
    • Incorporate into our education systems the skills that people need in the workplace i.e. networking
    • open up soft skills training to the followers, makes the leaders job much easier
    • need to find concensus on a set of core values
    • Teaching ethics in schools? now there's a long overdue idea
    • school and community based practical programs to give real learning experiences where real world and learning sector meld
    • Agree about the different sectors, though the future of education must include more practical experience initiatives
    • Everyone is so busy or travelling these days, learning digitally is the way forward - we can connect with other thought leaders like here
    • There needs to be a shift in the entire approach of "big business" a more comprehensive approach.
    • All the personal research I do these days is online, extending this out across communities in underdeveloped countries is a key initiative for responsible leaders of our future
    • Make it mandatory for a personality profile assessment tool of some sort to be in the beginning of any leadership training for self awareness and identify those development opportunities
    • Restore the roles of: Ethics, Logic And intensify the teaching of the physical sciences. Forbid the teaching of religions or any philosophy inspired by 'personal revelations' - they have all blighted humanity
    • Government rebates are now available to make these costs neutral
    • Grasshopper, once you can… provide the intial steps then let every individual take their own path, with guidance
    • An open door will always provide the guidance we need
    • People learn ethics through life, in many situations they arrive in the workplace with their own beliefs, values, ethics - whatever you want to call them. Often these are sitting below the surface as people are not encouraged to speak their mind. As a leader you should be encouraging people to discuss their beliefs, by the watercooler or elsewhere so we can learn from them and they can learn more from us in a transparent discussion as we develop in life
    • Our business is not a corporate giant a healthy family business but what I would say is core values built up from the family gives you strenght in our business and no doubt in many others who want to build up their business and have it last nearly a hundred years Values are key to long life and they are taught one on one as well as in groups they are the core of family as well as business and whenever you have a problem think back to your family and what you would do
    • University education fees to be incentivised
    • we offer our services to schools packaged for school kids
    • When I did my degree I was paid to do it - now they cost tens of thousands???
    • If we can learn from our mistakes and share this across the emerging economies and up and coming generations that minght be a start.
    • get the greens into government :-)
    • training is on the political agenda in Australia, responsible leaders can take advantage of government rebates to increase skills of staff in cost neutral ways via registered training organisations
    • Put together practical training programs that teach not just ethics but empathy and understanding how communities work
    • Technology is changing - the role of leaders is to dialogue with education to ensure courses are current and relevant - renewing courses regularly
    • There has to be a massive mindset shift across the whole of society, that we are in constant competition for limited resources

    Topic #9:

    How can these responsible and ethical leadership concepts be incorporated into schools and our education system to ensure continuity through generations?

    • This is more the domain of families than schools
    • I think it is more important to look at this from a global perspective…
    • If I learnt what I did in business at school, I would have been able to help more people earlier
    • Every generation needs to learn to adapt differently
    • That is a big question, yes this needs to be started in the home, but continued through the education system
    • Yes but what about the students who don't benefit from learning at home? They need support! Schools should encourage these thoughts and in many ways they do, even from kindergarten where they tell positive stories with great ethical background through to highschool with projects designed to improve life on our planet. The future generation is learning to be more caring than ever before and we need to ensure this continues.
    • The key is to give more than you take - karma follows
    • I agree with the comment about kids who don't learn at home.
    • Our economic landscape is limited resources unlimited wants. Ie scarcity and competition. Whatever can shift this thinking at Gov and Bus levels will bring in an ethical world
    • The most valuable investment we can make is in the education of our future generations
    • integrating into some of the Future Schools and NAtional Partnership Program imitiatives (here in Aus) for example could get these leadership and ethics 'topics' into the lifelong learning agrnda early oin in formal education experiences AND need to recognise that in los SEScommunities you don't necisarrily have the expoerience or skills from the family environs
    • With our ageing population we need to consider lifelong learning - new skills as we grow older
    • Don't rely on the politicians!
    • National curriculum
    • It will also change if we can push the education across all facets of society, top to bottom.
    • Retirees can assist by contributing in workshops at schools re their life lessons.
    • the concepts must start at home, church and school use to help reinforce them, however, seems to be a BIG void
    • Rudolph Steiner has some good ideas. replicate him
    • Everything starts with individuals who want to make it happen. All innovation has been started by unresonable individulas. Find leaders who believe and they will find the ways for develop these projects.
    • Have political parties forsake their pursuit of the vote on the basis of the 'lowest common demoninator' Use logic as the basis - and demonstrate to their electorate that the biggest 'return' comes from doing so

    Topic #10:

    Which other subjects do you believe we should discuss relevant to responsible leadership into the future and who should we contact for further input?

    • I think we should look at more global issues - particularly poverty
    • Sustainability hasn't been a big topic of discussion here. What about global warming?
    • responsible leadership at the political level
    • You should start interviewing more global leaders from government and society who can make a difference like Obama, or Nelson Mandela
    • Sustainability in more ways than the environment.
    • knowledge management - how do we ensure it is passed on etc
    • can responsible leaders help to resolve conflicts peacefully?
    • Responsibilities of corporates needs to be assessed - not just GFC elements also companies like BP and other businesses working with hazardous matrials
    • Agree with (responsible leadership at the political level), until it gets into the party politics, there will be little change
    • how about the role back to some 'think global act local' approach find LOCAL heros from wherever we are but then aggregate and share what is learned freely and in an accesible form
    • The whole developing country issue needs re-assessment - as we continue to buy products that are essentially created using slave labour, what is the future of global society?
    • As discussed earlier there is the need for long term thinking rather than short termism - a problem in the West particularly with politicians and stockmarkets.
    • Protection wasn't even brought into this discussion! In Australia we appear relatively safe, though are we?
    • Have you thought of interviewing more scientific leaders on their thoughts for our future? Like Dr Suzuki?
    • This conference has been very interesting though opened more questions rather than providing answers - I look forward to you giving more answers into the future
    • Spirituality in leadership is a related topic in my view
    • Re that comment contact SLAM http://www.slam.net.au
    • Ways to encourage positive actions on the singular.
    • Help people within the organisation become active members of society instead of the 16 hour work day ethic.
    • Working to help society while also contributing to a profitable company.
    • Responsible leadership varies depending on the society and culture.
    • In middle eastern and asian countries, this would mean working wihtin the system. Don't rock the boat. Yet every society started with strong leaders (Mao, Mohammad, Genghis Khan) who changed perceptions and brought in new systems. In Western societies, we have a greater suspicion of government and the notion of group think. In other words, the subjects will depend on the level of understanding of students, the environment and societal expectations.
    • All cases, the purpose of responsible leadership is to take a long term perspective and note that decisons have lasting implications.
    • Select exclusively from the most intelligent and reasoning women - ignore men in leadership for several centuries. If not, humanity will destroy itself in nuclear annihilation. If you do not believe that refer to the history books and see how close we came in 1962 in Cuba and then only a short time later, under the same so-called 'enlightened man' John Kennedy in Laos
    • Many want smaller government, austerity measures are biting in many developed countries, who will pick up the slack and lead bigger private and not for profit sector... responsible leaders!!
    • Do more of these type of interactions and ensure outs are archived and easily accessed by others as well as remain open for building on and use by others Creative Commons use etc.,
    • Spiral dynamics is related
    • send the results to the polititions
    • Facts and evidence are needed to back up what is responsible leadership
    • Guide leaders to balance aggressive commercial actions coupled with aggressive responsibility. It can be achieved!!
    • and a spell check in this tool would be VERY much appreciated by the likes of me wioth all my typos ;-( -

    Wwell with that in consideration - NO SPELL CHECK! As independent thought all these comments have been relayed into this totalexec article publication - free of editing - they are free flowing independent anonymous and confidential thought...

    Why?

    So everyone who comments from now and add to this discussion are free to do the same!

    The White paper of The ROAD MAP to Responsible Leadership is where all comments will be polished in preparation for delivery to leaders internationally

     

    We look forward to your contributions before all information goes to our research department.

    Please contribute your thoughts on Responsible Leadership HERE


    The conference was then completed...

    Thank you very much for your contributions. We appreciate the knowledge and support you have provided...

    The Inaugural RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP 2010 conference

    You will receive our report and road map to the future...

    After the conference we encouraged everyone to support the cause of their choice. A selection of options recommended by responsible leadership contributors to date can be found here:

    www.TotalExec.com.au/kind-hearted-links/

    What was also interesting was the feedback after the conference - credit to Bob Bloom who is passionate on this area and Anne Hudson, CEO of Grouputer who managed the technology and is also highly passionate on the subject.

    Immediate feedback included...

    "Thanks for one of the most professionally run online conferences I have ever attended - very in touch with your subject"

    "That was one of the most enjoyable hours I have spent this week - Look forward to the future developments we discussed"

    "Thanks again, just re-iterating our conversation - what a fantastic knowledge base you have access to here - good luck with this project! we all need it"

    "Look forward to catching up and discussing those workshops we discussed..."

    "I have cc'd our HR director... ... thanks again"

    and the most common feedback from everyone...

    "Can I please have a copy of the presentation and discussion?"

    Above provides you the summarised discussion. Download the presentation and make further contributions HERE

    It is important to acknowledge that this project would never have happened without the in-kind support of all the individuals, associations, businesses, not for profits and enterprise recognised below. We really appreciating your help to launch The Responsible Leadership 2010 Inaugural Conference

    Thanks everyone
    Grant Crossley

    How Responsible Leadership works in the Talent and Recruitment Industry

    Today I met up with Paul Jury, General Manager - Australia and New Zealand for Talent2 Recruitment

    Paul has been a mentor for many years, so I was looking forward to his insight into Responsible Leadership.

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    Paul began by explaining that responsible leadership is multi-dimensional and he thrives on the constant challenges of personally, professionally and organisationally getting it right and making a difference in all areas.

    Responsible leaders balance various components in business and in life. These include the people they are responsible for, their customers and clients, shareholders and stakeholders, their business / brand reputation and overall contribution to the broader community.

    What about responsible leadership at Talent2?

    “It’s a big challenge when you lead in a business that is growing fast and has rather large aspirations!!”

    That said, many have recently felt the frustration and pain of pulling back and managing for profit rather than pushing forward on our promise to be truly holistic on all aspects of the responsibility spectrum. 

    Whilst we always aimed to do more it is good to be back on script and building towards the main game of outstanding responsible leadership again.

    While we have always found ways on the CSR front, like our charity days programs we are really pleased to be working towards our Talent2 foundation which is sponsored by our CEO John Rawlinson.

    Every day, many groups and individuals in society require assistance with their careers, return-to-work challenges and other obstacles, so our staff are readily giving their time to share recruitment experience and careers advice.  There is nothing more rewarding than helping a candidate get that job!!

    At Talent2, the company culture around responsibility is moulded by an ethos that empowers the staff to:

    • Do  the right thing  
    • Be an advocate for what the business stands for
    • Be a custodian of the brand values and reputation 
    • Live and breathe our responsible leadership related policies and procedure
    • Create an ethical organisation

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    So how does responsible leadership work within the Recruitment industry?

    In the recruitment industry, the largest stakeholder groups are our staff, candidates, clients and contractors.

    In order to show respect, demonstrate responsibility and provide service excellence to these groups, we follow the code for Professional Conduct as set out by the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association (RCSA).

    The RCSA is dedicated to improving regulation and legislation relating to employment and the workplace, and fostering ethical standards for the conduct of businesses within the industry.

    One of our General Managers, Laura Mabikafola, also a finalist at the 2009 Telstra Women’s Awards is a national board member of this association.

    I then asked Paul what he thought were the attributes and values of a responsible leader? Paul explained;

    When considering the attributes and values of a responsible leader, an area that has recently been on his mind is the importance of work / life balance as an enabler. 

    Responsible leaders all have a number of roles, responsibilities and obligations. Whilst often dominated by work, these include family, friends, peers and the community.

    A responsible leader's abilities to weave all these responsibilities together will contribute greatly towards true success as a leader.

    Some tips Paul shared included:

    >       Don’t separate work and life, just weave in together

    >       Identify own unique formulae for sustained energy

    >       Focus on the priorities that will make you successful

    >       Utilise resources and technology to manage workload and responsibilities

    >       Build in some pause to reflect…fuel the clarity of your vision for your business…and for your life!!

    Ideally, a starting point would be to schedule everything outside of work first, and then weave work in around it. While this may not be practical, keeping a balance and scheduling the right actions can be fundamental to living the life of a responsible leader!!

     

    What Responsible Leadership means in the Health Industry

    Yesterday I had a conversation with Colin Walker who is General Manager of Terumo.

    Most of you are likely not familiar with Terumo - they are a leading organisation working in the health industry - their head office is based in Japan. Terumo’s main customer base is within hospitals and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

    I asked Colin what responsible leadership means to him...

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    Colin said responsible leadership primarily involves setting the personal example when it comes to behaviour and the many rules and regulations that are set by government, head office and society.

    As a leader you need to follow a code of conduct. More so, you need to champion it, taking the lead and encouraging others to follow your example.  This begins at the induction of a new employee where Colin discusses the Terumo code of conduct and the ethical framework underpinning it.  He also describes how the company code of conduct works in alignment with the medical industry code of conduct.

    Colin is the local representative for the Terumo code of conduct and also was involved in the creation of the industry code of conduct.

    Colin agrees that responsible leadership covers a lot of areas. These include, for example, looking after employee safety through conforming with OH&S legislation, an obligation that is also written into the Terumo code of conduct. Responsibility to staff and the company must be at the forefront of every manager’s focus.  However, Terumo has the underlying philosophy of contributing to society through healthcare.  This brings about a patient focussed approach where every interaction with a doctor or nurse is based on the needs of the patient.

    Processes can be put in place to help guide everyone, though in the end it comes down to people being responsible for their own actions. If leadership is set at the highest level, others have a direction and example to follow and this makes it easier for them to be responsible about what they do.

    People should be given authority to follow through with their own ideas, thoughts and direction. They can add a lot to philosophies and direction portrayed by their leaders. By following responsible leaders they add to the value of the organisation whilst following their leader’s example.

    Customers also should have authority to direct the course of business by giving feedback. When engaging with customers, staff should be given authority to make executive decisions within the confines of their authority that are in the best interests of the customer.

    This does not mean providing the cheapest price. It refers to providing an agreement valued by both parties that is in the best interests of the customer whilst also fair and providing value to the business.

    Relating to society, responsible leadership ensures the business is in touch with society - as a corporate citizen whilst also ensuring sustainability issues are maintained. Currently Terumo are looking at their own head office property in Australia which has lighting designed to turn on across the office, when all rooms are not necessarily used continuously. The alternative is to re-wire the office which is an expense that needs to be considered if they plan to stay at their present location in the long term.

    Colin cited a couple of examples of when responsible leadership has gone wrong - like the David Jones story recently in the media. Society in general has finely tuned social and moral antennae and companies that ignore these do so at their own peril.  Doing the right thing (being responsible) may not be easiest path to follow but it usually pays dividends in the long run.

    Finishing up, Colin summarised that Responsible Leadership is conveyed across a whole gamut of areas and definitions. Senior leaders need to be holistic with their thoughts and communications in order to be a truly responsible leader.

    Leaders need to decide whether they are going to follow certain paths into the future as their own staff and society are regularly looking at what they are doing.

    Leadership, Intellectual Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence

    Leadership is not just about intellectual intelligence, it is about emotional intelligence and the ability to be empathetic, self aware and socially aware in leadership.

    Why should responsible leaders be adaptive in their style of leadership?

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    Because adaptive leadership provides fluidity to leadership. It links to wider society and puts this relationship to society above the bottom line. It recognises that the world is truly global and influences how we communicate with one another in everyday life. 

    As an Australian Leadership Awardee at the Future Summit 2009, Leigh appreciates the opportunities she has had to break into groups with alumni and discuss ways leadership can be more responsible - through adapting to change. During the Future Summit, fellow awardees shared experiences and learnt from one another. Adaptive leadership was resolved as the biggest and most prevalent method of leadership that will have impact into the future.

    In April this year, Leigh wound up the organisation she founded as a 24 year old - The Future Cambodia Fund - following soon after with her first baby. During her time with Future Cambodia Fund, Leigh was exposed to a cross section of leadership styles from all over the world, including men and women, young and old.

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    When asked about the role of women as leaders in Australia, Leigh sees Australia as far behind some other countries in valuing the presence of women in leadership roles - potentially a big problem for a country who looks forward with a view to Responsible Leadership.

    Leigh believes women are generally more empathetic of the needs of society (a theme enunciated by many people interviewed for Responsible Leadership 2010 like Tara Cheesman - Director for CORNA here), a valuable attribute for a leader in any sector, enabling a well rounded style and approach to leadership. The truth is women are more empathetic. Emotional intelligence is more prevalent and in relation to the responsible business of change, in general women know better how to interact with an emotional conscience.

    "Australia sees and values female leaders differently", Leigh explains. "This is expressed through how they are paid through to positions they are given. It is telling that it has taken until 2010 for legislation to be passed that will see the introduction of 18 weeks government funded paid maternity leave in Australia, in stark contrast to places such as the UK, where new parents are paid for 52 weeks maternity leave, or Norway which offer 56 weeks." Leigh also points out that it was only in September this year that female directorship positions broke through the 10% mark (source: Australian Institute of Company Directors) - leaving another 40% of roles to be filled be women to achieve true parity. It does not make sense that we are only using the leadership skills of only 50% of the population.

    Coming from a not for profit background, Leigh has seen how charities and not for profits work on a professional level - including their levels of adaptive and innovative leadership. Leigh has seen society become more open to change and social enterprises are starting to create new and innovative connections between businesses and civil society.

    The process is moving slowly / slowly, though the gender change within the third sector has been remarkable, with many women heading up not for profits.

    In the field of social innovation, Leigh has worked with many upcoming male leaders who have a different attitude to leadership than those she came across when first starting out in the sector. Social initiatives are headed up by young, innovative thinkers who are just as often women as they are men.

    Leigh was previously a member of Rotary, where she was one of only four women in the club and was the youngest member by over 30 years. Most members were retired or approaching retirement and possessed a wealth of business knowledge and skills, however in many ways the organisation had become stagnant. Now Rotary is looking toward younger generations for new ideas and innovative ways to engage and adapt to a changing world.

    We live in a truly global society, we are not isolated in our communities, or countries, and life is going to become more and more global. 

    As members of a global community, we are responsible for the wellbeing of our fellow community members, and have an obligation to ensure we help and support one another, and don't impact others negatively. We need to remember that every action we take affects others around us.

    When it comes to who we should support in these endeavours to support our fellow beings, Leigh believes the future is looking at new ways forward, new ways of giving. She says charity is still important, and there will always be a place for it, but she strongly believes that the way forward is less reliance on aid and more attention to the idea of 'a hand up, not a hand out'.

    She says that donors need to ensure that their philanthropy is ethical, sustainable and effective. She urges donors to educate themselves of who they are giving to, what exactly it is used for and ensure it is effective. She believes that the key is education, and a focus on development through building knowledge. 

    One approach to sustainable giving is microfinance (http://www.grameenfoundation.org) - the gift that keeps on giving. Through microfinance, your donation can keep supporting those who need it, over and over again, multiplying the number of people beginning their own journey out of poverty.

    Consider these focuses...

    • Ethical aid
    • Sustainable aid
    • Educated giving

    These are how not for profits and charities can provide the best advantage.

    Our Ethics as Leaders are created through life...

    Today I met up with Dr Helen Paige, Founder and Director at The Paige Group.

    Helen approached me after learning about Responsible Leadership 2010 as Helen has a strong interest in this area after completing her doctorate in leadership ethics which commenced nine years ago.

    Her studies followed the concept of leadership from an individuals point of view and the ethics of leadership in organisations, including bureaucracies.

    What was of immense personal interest was what happens when a leaders personal ethics are tested by their work.

    There was obviously a lot of reviewing literature, values, ethics and attitudes in Helen's doctorate as Helen followed the works of many well known writers.

    What Helen learnt was if leaders personal ethics were disabled through work, it lead to many disruptions in their work life and leadership - even to the point of resigning from the position due to the inability to align with personal beliefs.

    Helen believes responsible leadership is where a leader takes personal responsibility with the leadership they want to take affect. It begins with an individual responsibility - to themselves and the values and ethics they believe in.

    When someone enters a position within a workforce they bring with them their own package of ethics that have been developed throughout their life in;
    • Home life
    • Church or spiritual beliefs
    • Educational Resources - school. etc
    • Community
    If people do not have connections with values, ethics, behaviours and boundaries through their experiences in the four areas above - then it is likely they will not know what these mean and will not be truly sure why they act the way they do.

    To put it another way, if you missed out in learning about ethics and values in the areas above, there is a good chance you are living life as a lost soul with behaviour responding negatively as you lack your life purpose.

    If you have not developed a barrier in expectations of society and determined your measurement of the parameters to live your life within - then what is the test of appropriate behaviour?

    Helen believes there are a large number of people within our populations around the world who struggle with this problem.

    If you are going to be a responsible leader, then your responsible leadership should begin with good leadership of yourself, before you begin to lead others.

    We are what we are and how we are perceived by others.

    We can model leadership based on what we believe in.

    Every person should be responsible for their actions. Responsible leaders should understand this and model accordingly.

    Leaders work in so many environments, so each model needs to be customised for the environment you are working in.

    For example, as Helen talks to me from her garden, they are building a pool next door. Now someone at some level will be responsible for the building of that pool. They ensure the customer is looked after and gets what they want.

    They also look after the trades people, taking responsibility for their work. They lead the process to an outcome that others are satisfied with.

    Leadership happens around us in so many ways every day.

    Leadership is not purely for those given the mantra of authority like a Lord Mayor. Leadership helps everywhere in society.

    Responsible leaders will look beyond the leadership of authority. They will look to where leadership helps everywhere in society and business. They will put leadership in place where all involved develop skills and knowledge and share that knowledge. They will consider ethics and values in what they do.

    People often think though ethics and honesty are often included in organisations values, they are often not aired at all levels of business. Many when asked say they have learnt what they have learnt through osmosis - absorbing what goes on around them.

    Helen believes it is not like that. All the time we are impacted by events around us. At the end of the day the essence of each one of us and the decisions we make comes down to our personal measurement of values, beliefs and ethics which in turn determine what style of leader we can be.

    The greatest leaders may not be the biggest influencer's during their time as leaders due to circumstances beyond their control at the time. However, responsible leaders will always look long term, beyond their term as leader to how they can have impact on those they lead and society, through the ethics and values they believe in.

    How Responsible Leaders impact Community Projects

    Last week I caught up with Tania de Jong and discussed what responsible leadership means to her.

    Tania explained that responsible leadership means a variety of things.

    To start with, if you say you are going to do it, then do it and commit to it by a certain time.  It is better to say “No” you cannot do it than promise to deliver something you never will.

    Secondly, make sure you help those you are responsible for - become responsible leaders.

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    Mentoring of those you are responsible for is very important. Give them support, feedback and encouragement to be able to constantly improve - even after they move beyond yourmanagement.

    Responsible leaders also make a difference to the communities they are involved in. They are responsible for enacting social change, helping people unlock their potential so they can lead meaningful purposeful lives.

    Responsible leaders also get involved in things that matter - before considering profit as a priority.

    Giving staff a couple days a year to enact CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) ventures will have some results. Though there are limitations for long term success.

    More regular involvement of staff in the community (at least weekly), working with people in need provides better long term results - for businesses and their staff involved. One hour a week after hours can make a huge difference.

    Working together on social innovation projects outside their workplace gives staff new connections. These connections may lead to new business and increased creative thinking, though more importantly - they help with staff engagement and development and encourage them to keep working with you.

    In-kind support is very important for most charities and community projects. This style of support also engages staff from the supporting business with the cause whereby they are more likely to help with fundraising via their own personal networks.

    So how do we get creative with these engagements of business in social change?

    Well, sometimes it starts at the CEO, though often it doesn't as more often connections with the community are beginning at middle management level.

    If you are working on a social project... look to how you can impact...

    • sales
    • marketing
    • distribution
    • etc

    These are usually your entry points to future business relationships.

    For further information see…

    Creativity Australia’s WITH ONE VOICE choir program www.creativityaustralia.org.au

    More information available at...

    www.creativeuniverse.com.au
    www.ci2010.com.au

    Respect Your Elders

    Jono Hennessy Sceats is a good mate and I always enjoy a conversation with him.

    This week we were discussing leadership in preparation for Responsible Leadership 2010.

    Jono was saying how his father was a bit of a larrikin, though always had good advice.

    He recalls two favourites of his father...

    "Always say yes to your mother, whilst doing something else"

    "Tell others you don't know how to do it and see who does"

    After mulling these tips over for decades, Jono sees them a very good advice for leaders.

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    You see, by telling your mother that you are doing one thing whilst doing another - you are saving her from knowledge that she might not want to know and will unlikely benefit from if she did know. At the same time you are following your own direction and beliefs - learning in your own way.

    So could this be a service to those you love or care about through a small white lie or information omission?

    We look forward to your thoughts...

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    By letting others step in and help you do (what you may even be able to do yourself), lets them take control of their destiny and receive the credit for it.

    This is a key focus of delegation - though in this case the leader is not delegating - just letting people step in and help.

    Helping is a core interest of all people. There is lots of research on why people like to help others. It is satisfying for our spirit or personalities and highly rewarding to help somebody, with no return expected.

    Karma shows however that often the rewards come in cycles through other means.

    As always, conversations with Jono are enlightening and we look forward to his contributions for Responsible Leadership 2010.

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