In preparation for CCN's upcoming HVACR Leadership Awards, Sandra Van Dijk spoke to industry executives about the qualities that define a leader.
The ability to inspire was one quality everyone agreed is essential in a successful leader.
A-Gas commercial director, Louise McCann, said a good leader communicates a clear vision, inspires others to follow and explains what success looks like and how it can be achieved.
She said it is important to realise that good leaders aren't just at the executive level, they can be found at all levels of a successful organisation.
On the subject of leaders of the future, McCann said that as the change cycle shortens through new technology, it will be imperative to stay ahead by increasing speed of delivery.
“Decisive and timely action in uncertain conditions is commonly the mark of a good leader,” she said.
“A good leader walks the talk and in doing so earns the right to have responsibility for others.”
During the past decade in the HVACR industry, McCann has met great leaders that have been critical in her own development.
“The constant pressure on most businesses to deliver results means it is difficult to dedicate time to the development of others, but this is essential for the industry as a whole,” she said.
Panasonic consumer electronics group director, Richard Tassone, said a good leader motivates, communicates, empowers and coaches their team to win.
Tassone said the one quality that sets good leaders apart from others is the ability to motivate.
Successful leaders, he said, provide clear direction to their team during rapid change, which is the way to remain on top in a compeitive marketplace.
“The HVACR industry relies on its leaders to collaborate closely with the people that set the regulations that govern our industry,” Tassone said.
Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) chair, Jillian Broadbent, said leaders display an ability to remain calm and to rise above challenges and negativity to see the positive and potential of a situation. Broadbent said leaders step back and maintain a big picture view.
While it is crucial to have superior communication skills, she said the ability to be a good listener is even more important.
“You've surrounded yourself with good people who are committed to delivering results for your organisation; they have skills and experiences that differ from yours so each one has the potential to bring something useful to the table,” Broadbent said.
A leader of the future, she said, will need flexibility and inclusiveness to create a cohesive workforce that incorporates generations X, Y and Z.
“While the Millennials are tech savvy, Gen Z's will be even more so. The Xers know that hard work can move mountains and the baby boomers have years of earned experience that cannot simply be Googled,” Broadbent said.
“Being inclusive will be an increasingly important trait for the leader who wants to get the best out of their team.”
Broadbent said the best leaders recognise opportunity and potential when others see crisis.
“There are businesses that recognise that periods of change provide the perfect opportunity for bold decisions to position themselves ahead of those that use uncertainty as an excuse not to act,” she said.
“It is often difficult to take a long term view, especially if margins are tight, but the businesses that take the time to investigate the business case for improvements and then find ways to act are the ones who are most likely to remain ahead of the pack.”
To be part of CCN's HVACR Leadership Awards visit www.climatecontrolnews.com/awards