Lessons in Leadership: Don’t just focus on the end goal

Being at the beginning of my career in policy and housing, it’s often been difficult to see myself beyond the junior level or have a clear idea of what was next. I remember when I first started in my role at Cymorth Cymru a little over two years ago, I had my doubts about whether housing would be for me and whether I had the knowledge to succeed – so how could I ever imagine becoming a leader?

Careers generally don’t tend to be as linear as we’re led to believe growing up and for careers in policy this certainly rings true. My admission onto the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme came at a fairly pivotal moment for me as I began to question what the next step was and whether I was ready to be in a position of greater responsibility. Having the opportunity to meet and speak with a range of current leaders from across the housing sector quashed many of the doubts I was having and allowed me to form greater certainty in my own mind about my capabilities.

A particular moment which stood out for me from the programme was one of the earlier sessions with Sonia Parol, Design Director at IVG, and independent coach, Dan Lyus. Amongst the practical hints and tips provided by Sonia and Dan it was Sonia’s advice on feeling lost that provided me with the most reassurance – “If you're feeling lost or without direction, focus on the overarching goal you can carry throughout your career, not just the end point.”

However, it wasn’t just the leaders themselves which made this experience so fulfilling but my fellow cohort members. By being able to share experiences and listen to the journeys we had all been on, I realised that as Sonia had suggested, it wasn’t about climbing a ladder to the next goal but about staying true to your values and determination to create change which gets you far.

As one of the forefathers of Welsh devolution, Ron Davies, once said “devolution is a process not an event” the same is true for leadership. Therefore, having looked at my own values, overarching goals and what I’ve learnt from the programme, I leave you with these three points:

• Being a leader isn’t about knowing it all, continuous learning at all levels is important
• Having a setback or moment of weakness doesn’t make you a bad leader, it makes you human and gives you an opportunity to grow
• Looking after yourself is also about nurturing those around you to grow too

---

Stephanie's blog is one of many by members of the 4th cohort of the Housing LIN’s Future Leaders Programme that we are excited to publish in the lead up to our 'sell-out' London conference – A Festival of Ideas: Age-Friendly Homes and Connected Community, taking place on Wednesday, 26 March 2025. We'll be joined by several of the Future Leaders who will be joining sponsor, Inspired Villages Group, that afternoon to share their sector leadership journeys.