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Introduction

A leader has to stay focused on their values, but also stay in touch with those people around them. Andrew Pakes talks about the basic part of leadership.

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TRANSCRIPT

Andrew Pakes

Leadership, to me, is the ability to bring people together to achieve change. 

The most surprising thing I've learnt about leadership is that it takes time: it isn't a single act, it isn't making a statement, but it's about patiently working through the issues and bringing people with you.

Really listen to people and demonstrate that you can hear the issues they're talking about and that – the sense of urgency or concern they have in their voices. I've learnt over the years that the only good leaders are those that understand the colleagues around them, and are able to channel and influence the passions and ideas and priorities that different people have, and the only way you can do that is by listening.

I think the biggest challenge for any leader is staying true to your purpose. Different challenges, different problems, different voices speaking to you and listening to you, and remembering why you got into it: staying focused on your values, but also staying in touch with those people around you. Sometimes, on a busy day, that can feel like a luxury. I think it's a basic part of leadership.