What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership, to me, is about inspiring my team and ensuring everyone is clear about our collective and individual goals. It also involves providing the necessary support to help them achieve these objectives. Effective leadership requires strong communication skills and a deep understanding of each team member. If I do not know them well, I may miss subtle signs that indicate when they need additional resources or intervention.
As a leader, I prioritise getting to know my team members individually and developing a comprehensive understanding of their strengths. This enables me to orchestrate their unique skills in a way that benefits the entire team. Knowing them personally also allows me to align my approach with their values and goals, fostering an environment of meaningful support.
What are your main leadership and management challenges?
One of the main challenges in leadership, post-pandemic, has been addressing the increasing wellbeing needs of employees. There is now an expectation for hybrid working options, which, while beneficial, also introduces challenges in maintaining team cohesion and communication. High-performing teams require strong interpersonal connections, and remote or hybrid models can sometimes hinder this dynamic.
A key focus of mine has been fostering an appreciation of each team member’s skills and attributes. By continuously embedding and reiterating the importance of collaboration, I aim to ensure that team members recognise and complement each other’s strengths.
How does the landscape of your sector affect those challenges?
The current landscape is challenging for employers across industries, with increasing pressures and responsibilities imposed by governmental regulations. These additional demands require significant time and accuracy, often pulling leaders away from their primary responsibilities. Navigating these obligations while maintaining team performance and engagement is an ongoing challenge.
What are you focusing on from a leadership and management perspective?
My focus is on aligning ethical principles with our mission to guide our interactions with one another and all stakeholders. Ethical practice is fundamental to our operations and serves as a protective measure for everyone within the organisation. Effectively cascading these values across all levels is essential to maximising the benefits of an ethical workplace.
“One of the most important lessons I have learned is to never assume that others will automatically understand my perspective”
How do you develop your people?
My preferred approach to developing my team is through coaching. This method is highly flexible and can be applied in real time to various scenarios. It supports learning, encourages problem-solving, and empowers individuals by making them responsible for their own growth. Additionally, it fosters trust, as team members recognise that they are capable, while also knowing they can seek guidance if needed. This approach ensures that personal and professional development happens at a pace that suits each individual.
What is your biggest leadership lesson over the past year?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is to never assume that others will automatically understand my perspective, even when I provide context and background, and involve them in the process. Sometimes, despite these efforts, they may still struggle to see the bigger picture. In such cases, I need to exercise patience and be prepared to start from the basics, to ensure clarity and shared understanding.
Dr Helen Smith is director of Enhancing Leadership consultancy and the Coaching and Leadership Academy
This article is adapted from a feature first published in the spring 2025 issue of Edge.
