LEADERSHIP TO THE POWER OF TEN Rob Ward AM
LEADERSHIP TO THE POWER OF TEN This guide is a collection of reflections, tips, features and signposts, originally published as a series of LinkedIn Posts. They are based on my own personal experience after 37 wonderful years in public practice accounting. What this guide is not, is a comprehensive review of the challenges and depth of feeling I hold for the life of the professional in public practice. That is for another day, and is indeed in itself a work in progress. One of the elements of my own career that stood me in good stead was that it was often the simplest comment or tip from others that was the most powerful. How can this guide be best used? Use it as a conversation starter with your coach or mentor or, if you are a coach, the other way around.
If you are reflecting on your current experiences and how you might respond to the challenges you are facing. And finally, if you are seeking to develop your people or yourself, are concerned with matters of client service or quality, testing your own personal effectiveness, or maybe considering how to respond to competitors, then I hope this will assist you.
@RobWard13
FOREWORD Leadership is a very unusual thing. For some it comes naturally and for others it emerges at a more measured pace. The biggest challenge is for leaders to realise exactly that, that they are in fact leaders. With that realisation comes an enormous responsibility, to not only lead but also recognise the impact that they have on others. People around leaders watch everything they do. Everything! What they say and how they say it, when they smile or not, and how their eyes sparkle with the passion of true leaders. I am a very fortunate person to have been inspired in my professional and personal life by some great leaders. At a difficult time in my professional life, I was blaming everyone else for the lack of progress when suddenly, it dawned upon me that the problem was with me. I wasn't fulfilling my leadership potential. I was worried about me and not thinking about those who were looking to me to lead them. Once I got that, life became a lot easier. This guide captures many of the lessons that I have learned along the way, and am still learning. While it’s primary focus is from the world of professional services, the principles can be applied to many aspects of our business and personal lives. I hope that you enjoy the conversations. The earlier that you realise that you are the leader, the better it will be for everyone.
Rob Ward AM Former Global Managing Partner – Audit, PwC Head of Leadership and Advocacy, Chartered Accountants ANZ August 2015
@RobWard13
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Never in my wildest dreams when I joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1974 did I expect to be starting a 37 year career, with 25 years as a partner and working in more than 50 countries. These are the lessons from others that became part of my DNA.
@RobWard13
LEADERSHIP TO THE POWER OF TEN: THE SECRET TO SUCCESS Business and life is a wonderful challenge. A world of opportunity. Leaders are born and made and come from every imaginable background. They often emerge from where we least expect it. We have explored many features, elements, tips and tricks of strong leaders. While these all add up to the Power of 10, the secret to success of the very best leaders has three very clear ingredients. 1. An unwavering commitment to a set of values that guides their thinking and actions 2. The innate ability to dream and to live the art of the possible 3. The courage and commitment to focus and execute.
@RobWard13