THE FINAL WORD
What, in your view, makes a successful business leader?
Malik Karmaly
CEO, Habibo Group
“First, having the vision, to be able to know clear objectives – but at the same time being able to navigate the business environment. Second, integrity, equity, transparency and accountability for a long-term point of view. Third, innovation, but keeping feet on the ground – to keep having common sense. And the most important thing – to listen to the market.”
Dr Thulani Vilakazi CEO, Ithala SOC Limited
“A good leader is only as effective as his or her team. A good leader will examine their vulnerabilities and shortcomings. Doing so makes the team stronger, allowing them to delegate tasks to team members with the abilities they lack. In order to delegate well, you also need to build trust with your team.
“Successful leaders will also identify their weaknesses so that they can improve upon those areas in the future.
“Communication is also important for a good business leader. You need to be able to communicate in a variety of ways, from transmitting information to coaching your people. And you must be able to communicate with a range of people across roles and different social strata.
“Showing gratitude is critical. Giving thanks will actually make you a better leader, and employees will not hesitate to work harder for an appreciative boss.
“Finally, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.”
Mandy Peters CEO, Solomons – St Helena
“I am a staunch advocate for the value of people to an organisation and believe that long-term success in business is achieved not by one leader but through the collective input of a diverse and engaged team of people. In Solomons, a cross-functional team of our employees developed a simple set of values – people count, service matters, integrity always. Holding true to these values, in my view, is the key to successful business leadership.”
Kevin Changoo
Co-CEO, Pindulo VDM
“The best leaders are passionate about developing emerging leaders around them and that they constantly strive to read, learn, and improve their emotional intelligence. Team culture is a critical element for accomplishing a vision, and while leadership remains the articulation of a vision into reality, one cannot achieve any goals without the support of a greater team.
“A leader must therefore remain in a perpetual state of preparation and embrace the inevitable and dynamic changes of the external business environment as is the current case with the COVID-19 pandemic. Truly great and authentic leaders need to be prepared to make difficult choices, which includes self-sacrifice in order to enhance the lives of others around them. As a CEO, one must be cognisant of the fact that in addition to his/her family’s dependence so too, do the families of those who work in the business.”