INSPIRE PEOPLE TO SOAR

THE best leaders care more about their teams than their own glory, with an ability to listen, develop others and maintain morale.

That is the takeaway message from Australia’s top leaders and employers who will be judging the 2018 Executive of the Year Awards later this year.

Starlight Children’s Foundation chief executive Louise Baxter (pictured left, centre) includes teamwork among the top skills and attributes she believes make great leaders.

Baxter lists it alongside vision, energy, curiosity, trust, honesty and the ability to tell stories.

“No one can know everything, so don’t pretend you do,” she says.

“Not knowing something is empowering and draws people to you for collaboration, support and engagement.

“It enables people around you to add value.

“What you do need to know is who you can connect with to help you.”

George and Matilda Eyecare chief executive Chris Beer and BPAY Group chief executive John Banfield say it is important for leaders to be able to listen.

Universities Australia chief executive Belinda Robinson says the best leaders are selfaware and respect the strengths and weaknesses of others, and Maureen Jordan, founder and chief executive of Switzer Media and Publishing, says they draw people to them because people know they are always working in their best interests.

Jordan also quotes the United States-based leadership expert John Maxwell, who says “when it comes to charisma, the bottom line is othermindedness – leaders who think about others and their concerns before thinking of themselves exhibit charisma”.

Queensland-based Lorna Jane founder Lorna Jane Clarkson says the best leaders are also teachers.

Applications for the 2018 Executive of the Year Awards are open until Friday.