HRI
mentor mania
Effective leadership with empathy The age-old question around nature or nurture was the starting point for an interactive discussion on the first day of the HR Indaba Conversation, with a star line-up of HR leaders from diverse industries focusing on the indispensable role that HR professionals play in spotting and harnessing talent within the organisation.
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BY ANG LLOYD
n interactive HR Indaba Conversation on leadership featured panellists Pamela Xaba, human capital head at Netstar, Steven Teasdale, Discovery group head of organisational development, change and transformation, and Tshidi Anya, regional HR director, Africa and the Middle East, at Weir Minerals, who all contributed valuable insights on the role HR professionals play in leadership. CHRO South Africa editor-in-chief Georgina Guedes started the discussion by introducing the age-old question of “Are leaders born or made?” Most participants believed that it was a bit of both – with overwhelming agreement that anyone can be a leader with the right support – and if the person is willing to take ownership of their development journey.
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Pamela shared that leadership went beyond management, to a selfless calling not focused on power and control as “one doesn’t need a title to lead; it’s about how you show up”. Effective leadership requires specific skills, experience, and, most importantly, self-development. Pamela added that career coaches teach that leaders must be comfortable giving up the limelight to let others shine – something she fully agrees with. According to Tshidi, leadership is a skill that can be developed and learnt. She shared four key points that HR leaders should consider when nurturing leadership potential in others: • Be intentional when creating leadership training, •
Help employees create career paths,
• Give emerging leaders opportunities to grow, and •
Create an environment of mentorship.
