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At a glance
1. What is the difference between a leader and a boss?
I think the two exist at opposite ends of the spectrum.
A successful leader is someone who inspires and influences teams by building a compelling vision, one that can inspire colleagues to work collaboratively and with purpose. They prioritise their team’s wellbeing and provide a positive environment in which all employees are inspired to deliver on shared goals.
To direct effectively, a leader needs to empower those around them to exhibit curiosity and foster continuous learning to build individual skill sets, capabilities and knowledge.
There is a difference between a leader and a boss who tends to rely more on directing, rather than inspiring, employees. A boss uses formal authority and control to ensure tasks and short-term goals are achieved. They frequently prioritise processes and deadlines, as they are focused on ensuring immediate task completion.
A boss might demand trust and take credit, whereas a leader builds trust and shares credit.
2. Are the characteristics of future leaders changing?
Most definitely. Given the advent of the gig economy, more flexible organisational structures, the rise of artificial intelligence, automation more generally and multi-generational workers, future leaders will need to refocus on what good leadership looks like.
They must be able to inspire curiosity, provide coaching and mentoring, demonstrate resilience to navigate complex change, and foster a positive work environment across an increasingly diverse work population.
3. What are the key ingredients in a leadership learning agenda?
Self-awareness and humility are essential to becoming a good leader. Understanding yourself, your own strengths and weaknesses, and how other people view you are pivotal building blocks.
Another key ingredient is the ability to create a culture of respect, so that those around you feel safe to offer alternative perspectives to yours. Understanding and incorporating the perspectives of others is essential if you want those working with you to feel valued and trusted.
The third essential element I’d mention is integrity. It is a valuable leadership trait as it sets a tone of trustworthiness essential to building a high-performing team. Authenticity and transparency are key components of integrity.
The best leaders clearly model these qualities, which in turn creates a positive work environment where employees feel supported and empowered to express their own authenticity.
4. How is CPA Australia helping to develop leaders across the membership?
In the first instance, the CPA Australia Global Strategy and Leadership subject (the capstone subject in the CPA Program) focuses on equipping future finance professionals with the tools to make strategic decisions, implement strategies and lead organisations effectively.
Post-completion of the CPA Program, we provide multiple professional development opportunities to assist members to hone their personal leadership skills. These leadership products include micro-credentials such as Self and People Leadership and Strategic Finance Business Partnering.
"Authenticity and transparency are key components of integrity. The best leaders clearly model these qualities, which in turn creates a positive work environment where employees feel supported and empowered to express their own authenticity."
Podcast episodes such as “Why purpose-driven leadership builds stronger teams” and publications such as INTHEBLACK provide great content to help members to build their leadership skills, as do our many member events.
The association also offers members the ability to develop their leadership skills by joining the various Centres of Excellence that help guide thought leadership within the profession, or take up a Divisional Council position to help shape the future of CPA Australia.
5. Which three leaders, from any time or place, would you like to have dinner with?
That’s a tricky question, as the leaders I admire change regularly depending on the lessons I can or have learned from them.
At this point in time, I would have to say in no particular order: activist Grace Tame for her extraordinary courage and integrity; Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, for her compassion and empathy; and Kon Karapanagiotidis, CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, whose tenacity and continued advocacy for refugees is truly inspiring.
