The accidental leader

My daughter has spent this year on her school's senior leadership team, following a selection process that was both thorough and arduous.

Six weeks of leadership training, speeches, interviews, longlists, shortlists and finally, an election by their peers.

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There were nerves, tears, courage and heartbreak. You don't put yourself through that particular wringer unless you really want the role.

Watching these young people represent their school, support their peers, and now mentor the next group has been wonderful. They have grown, and they filled these roles with such joy.  

It got me thinking about leadership. If you compare the extraordinary process these young people went through to become leaders to the people in business who have found themselves managing teams by accident, or with considerably less preparation.

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Someone is brilliant at their job. They know the systems, understand the numbers and have earned their stripes, so they get promoted and are suddenly responsible for people. Then there's small business, where leadership comes with the keys. You're the boss, HR department, bookkeeper and the person everyone looks to for direction. Ready or not.

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Last Thursday, Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce held its AGM, including our committee election. Twelve people nominated, with around one hundred members and guests in the room. There was that familiar element of putting yourself forward and hoping your peers would choose you.

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It's a brave thing to put yourself forward for election, whatever your age. And the willingness to do so deserves recognition, regardless of the result. Congratulations to our newly elected committee andthank you to everyone who nominated. Volunteering your time and experience to represent our business community deserves recognition.

Watching these elections unfold has reminded me that people arrive at leadership in different ways. Some chase it. Some stumble into it. Others have it thrust upon them. But however you become a leader, knowing how to lead people is something worth learning.

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And just as we invest time in identifying future leaders, we should invest in helping them become good ones. After all, if we can spend six weeks preparing teenagers to lead their school, surely we can find a little time to help adults lead their teams.

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Ellen Madden

Business Engagement, Events and Communications Manager
Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce
www.mackayregionchamber.com.au

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