Courage, care, and compassion are some of the most important qualities in a good leader.
That’s according to panelists at Leaders Spotlight- a recent event at St James shining a light on leadership.
Speakers also highlighted the importance of self-awareness, humility, trust and fairness – especially when the “right decision is not always the easiest one”.
Speaker John Bampkin, CEO of NP Group, said: “If people do not believe you care about them, they are unlikely to follow you.
“You have to demonstrate it through your actions and your decisions.”
Mr Bampkin joined Vic Slade, CEO of Guernsey Housing Association, speaking about their leadership experiences.
Ms Slade said “fairness” had been an anchor for her throughout her career in social housing.
“Are we doing the right thing? Can we live with the decision we have made? Are we thinking properly about the impact it will have?”
She said doing the right thing was sometimes “the hardest thing to do”.
The evening closed with a discussion on legacy.
Ms Slade spoke about developing people who will go on to be better than her as legacy for the organisation.
Bampkin agreed leaders had a responsibility to invest in others, just as others had invested in him throughout his career.
Phil Eyre, Founder of Leaders, said praised both speakers “honesty of reflection”.
He said: ”Both reminded us that excellent leadership is deeply human.
”It requires courage, care, humility and the willingness to do the right thing, even when that is not the easiest thing.”