Remembering The´re`se: A great leader
Leadership comes in many forms: Great people leaders, organisational leaders, inspiring leaders. Leadership can also be shown by individuals at any level of an organisation, those who lead by example in how they treat others, maintain values, how they behave, how they follow, and how they help an organisation to achieve its goals, hold its head high and have a supportive culture.
Every now and then there’s also a leader who has a positive influence across an entire industry.
Sadly, this week we lost one of those leaders, with the death of The´re`se Angelo MNZM on Monday.
The´re`se was director of the Air Force Museum in Christchurch from 2002-2018.
In her time in the role, The´re`se not only led and directed the museum, she spread a value of support and nurture to other leaders and individuals in the industry throughout the country.
I first met The´re`se more than 10 years ago and she quickly became someone I looked to for advice.
One of the many things I admired about The´re`se was that she didn’t expect anyone to be perfect, she saw people’s flaws yet always believed in them. I last spoke to The´re`se about four weeks ago and will miss her terribly.
She was a very special person and I feel lucky to have had the privilege of knowing her.
The´re`se went out of her way to encourage and support people, she never interfered but always provided valuable advice when requested and was there to lend a guiding and helping hand. She served as chair of the Museums Aotearoa Board for six years and was instrumental in helping museums and galleries affected by the Canterbury quake.
And the industry recognised and celebrated The´re`se’s work and spirit. She was awarded an individual achievement award in 2010 acknowledging her work support and developing staff, in 2012 she received a special award for the support and leadership provided after the Canterbury quake.
In 2015 The´re`se was made a Fellow of Museums Aotearoa, again acknowledging in particular the role she played in developing people within the sector.
I found a quote from Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield which I think fits The´re`se well: “Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine.”
We all need great leaders and I will forever be thankful to The´re`se for being part of my life.