What is a Leader? It starts with the basics

The Housing LIN’s Future Leaders’ programme has been incredibly insightful. During the programme, we have had the opportunity to be involved in detailed discussions about qualities that make a successful leader.

We had the pleasure of meeting humble, interesting, and inspirational leaders across a broad range of sectors who all held a range of various experiences and skills on what it takes to lead a team. I learned that many key qualities are essential for leading a team and applying soft skills to a leadership style is paramount. What is important for us to remember, is that leaders don’t always “get it right” which was a common theme amongst the leaders we had discussions with and it was refreshing to hear! (they are human after all!).

It was also comforting to know that regardless of position within a company, that leaders are always learning and must listen and empathise with peers. Being transparent and honest is also key, including when issues do arise, so that trust is built and respect is gained on where lessons can be learned and improvements can be made. As we are in a progressive and ever-changing society, it is also important to remain open to feedback and new ideas. I really enjoyed listening to the leaders about how they initiated change and the passion and drive that driven them. What was also encouraging is that feedback does get listened to and communication is heard, and leaders do listen and lead the charge with actions.

Confidence, energy, honesty, motivation, positivity were key words that were used amongst our sessions and these are certainly words that I will be channelling into my current and future roles in order to progress into leadership.

Currently, I am pro-actively using effective communication across Housing 21 and transparency to challenge feedback and ideas which in turn hopefully help me build a resilience into building up confidence for leadership.

I’ll be sure to use the content we have discussed in this programme wisely and apply what I have learned and listened to within my role. I would recommend anyone who wants to pursue their career into a leadership role to sign up to this programme.

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Hayley's blog is one of 7 from the 2nd cohort of the Housing LIN’s Future Leaders’ Programme that we are publishing in the lead up to our virtual Summit – A Festival of Ideas and the virtual session on Tuesday, 28 February 2023 (2.30pm-pm-4pm). Register now for Inspiring young talent: investing in our future housing and care leaders

Find out more about Housing LIN’s Future Leaders’ Programme and read the other blogs once published.