Angus Youth
GenAngus Future Leaders Program scaling new business heights Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager
What does it mean to be recognised as a future leader? In opening the 2022 GenAngus Future Leaders program, Angus Australia Extension Manager, Jake Phillips noted that, ‘They are enthusiastic, positive and passionate’, three words that are not out of place when describing the twenty-nine GenAngus future leaders that recently came together in Adelaide.
With an eye on their future in the beef industry and the drive to push themselves out of their comfort zones, the 2020 and 2021 cohorts joined the 2022 Cohort, for the first two days for the leadership day and first day of presentations. The excitement in the air was palpable as GenAngus returned to a face-to-face event for the first time since 2019. The leadership day was a combination of ‘scaling new heights’ aka Tree Climb Adelaide and team problem solving at Escape Room Adelaide.
Sweeping The Sheds During the official dinner, Jake asked the group, ‘What does it mean to be recognised as a future leader? For Jake this is what resonates. ‘They are enthusiastic, positive and passionate. They are highly competent, they seek continuous improvement, and embrace opportunities that no one else wants to latch on to. They want to be in the hot seat. They are people in positions of leadership. They are visible examples of role models to everyone around them and willing to do anything that they ask others to do. They lead from the front, they pack up at the end and when everyone has gone home, they sweep the sheds. They understand you never have a second chance to make a first impression. Leaders have and demonstrate integrity, personally and professionally. Leaders recognise astutely that their power is only strengthened by reciprocal empowerment by those they lead and influence. They make a habit of reflection and systematically review personal and business performance; they develop reflection and practice these habits daily. They appreciate value and have faith in the collaborative process, trusting that the group will find a better solution that works for everyone. They are persistent, they don’t give up and they never ring the bell. They don’t take themselves too seriously, they are humble, they practice humility often and they know their personal strengths and weaknesses, their tendencies. 20
Alkira Riley, Rebe cca Rund ell & Georg e Giddings They are receptive to views that counter their own. Tomorrow’s leaders will be able to see the world from multiple perspectives and respect their differences. Leaders must have an international and global view of society, business, farming and indeed life. Future leaders will need to learn to listen respectfully, consult with others, work as part of the team and take responsibility for their actions. Leaders will need to be able to optimise todays only constant, change. They will need to thrive in chaos. Leaders must have mentors and role models that can teach them how to manage the political nature of life and business. The agricultural landscape units of power used to be land size and cattle herd numbers, how many people worked for you, how many Toyotas, but today in the technology revolution, units of power are information and knowledge. Being in the right place at the right time will still be critical for leaders. Leaders must make time to make themselves available for opportunities and make themselves available for others. They must give people good time. Future leaders have vision, real influence and they have a hard work mindset, they also have great character and integrity.’
