Leadership, even in the best of times, is difficult. In times of deep crisis, it is extremely challenging. To lead, “to go first”, when what lies ahead is unknown and unknowable, and the way to move forward is anything but clear, demands a mix of skills and insight that few of us have had the opportunity, or the need to develop.
Toward the end of last year we had some spectacular national examples of the challenges of being a leader, illustrating why leadership is not everyone’s idea of a good time. Jacob Maroga (ex-CEO of Eskom, South African public power utility) – out. Bobby Godsell (now also ex-Chairperson of Eskom) – out. But it’s the extraordinary example of the Rector of the University of the Free State, Jonathan Jansen, his leadership and what can be learnt from it, that grabbed Louise Parr’s attention.
When a student from Cape Town’s no-fee university, Tsiba, asked Parr Lamond partner Laura James to be her mentor, she knew it would require more of her than the stipulated fortnightly chat. What she didn’t realise, was what it would give her in return. In this article, Laura reflects on how she became the unexpected recipient of four gifts of mentoring.
The talented Adri Williams recently filled the role of Office Manager at Parr Lamond & Associates and already her impact has been keenly felt by our busy consultants. Adri is no stranger to a packed schedule though. Since joining us in October 2009 she not only whipped the office into shape, she tied the knot with her beloved Anton and wrote her second year Accounting exams. Adri hopes to complete her National Diploma by the end of 2010. Welcome.
Kick-start your year with a list of short articles (not to be confused with a shortlist of articles!) on leadership Parr Lamond believes are essential reading for the year ahead. They are concise and engaging, and offer insight into the leadership demands a new year and new economic reality will bring. We’ve done the hard work for you here.
You might remember in last issue of The Leading Edge Nic wrote a story on his experience of the 2009 Cape Epic mountain bike race? Well, the story found its way into the August issue of Men’s Health magazine, on sale at the end of July. Click