I learn therefore I am
Professional training for real people
Leadership lessons the hard way
Today’s remarkable Australian Labor Party spill shows importance of leadership skills
Labor spill
As today’s dramatic political events unfolded, I couldn’t help but reflect on what we can all learn from them. Let’s face it, while it all made for gripping TV, it’s not an ideal way to win, or lose, leadership. Nonetheless, through a variety of circumstances, I think it has left the nation in a stronger place. Both the defeated and incumbent leaders were stirring in their own ways.
To the lessons from today… let’s start with Kevin Rudd. His speech of defeat was moving and inspiring. He articulated his vision, the ongoing achievements of his team and what he wishes they did better. He was personal, likeable and I felt like I understood his motivations and his drive to do good for the country, as I have not been able to since his 2007 election. Had he communicated with even half that transparency and passion throughout his term, today would not have happened.
You just can’t get past the fact that a good leader needs to, not only have a vision, but also be able to articulate it and take people on his or her journey.
While Julia Gillard assumes office in a way that I’m sure even she is not pleased with, what an impressive start she made. (And if she can lead the country the way she led that press conference, we have ourselves a leader.)
In her remarks, Ms Gillard set the context (her background), spoke of her values, articulated her vision and started to make changes to some of the issues on the table, most notably the mining tax that was arguably Mr Rudd’s downfall. She talked of open doors, open minds and collaboration. She took responsibility for her role in the good and the bad of the Rudd Government. It was textbook stuff.
Without wanting to buy into the politics of it all, if Ms Gillard maintains this style, she has a strong chance of gaining a term as Prime Minister in the more traditional electorate-led way. Why? Because today she demonstrated the communication skills of a leader.
In one stunning day, we have seen humility, dignity, gratitude, pride and emotion from Mr Rudd; and sincerity, passion, vision and collaboration from Ms Gillard. We have also perhaps seen the transition from traditional autocratic to modern collaborative leadership styles.
The coming months will be telling as Ms Gillard tries to right wrongs, set her own agenda and shore up support ahead of an election, all while continually communicating her intentions and vision. It sounds tough, but the presence, impact and leadership skills she demonstrated today may just get her, and the Australian Labor Party, through.
Either way, what a day for Australia. Our children will be lucky enough to never know that the role of our nation’s leader was once gender specific. Nothing is impossible for great leaders… perhaps the biggest lesson of all.
