Opinion: Leading In A Changing World
Team GB hockey Olympic champion Helen Richardson-Walsh reflects on Sport Industry NextGen Unlocked, and challenges moving forward for leadership in sport and beyond…
Bold and brave, resolute and defiant, are some of the words used to describe Sir Winston Churchill, arguably one of Britain’s greatest leaders, whose energy and relentless attitude inspired Britain during its ‘darkest hour’. As the film industry reflects on this period of time, and although Churchill’s long political life was far from perfect, it’s the courageous actions he took and the decisions he made that are lauded and live long in the memory.
In the sporting context the pundits and fans are no different. Any sign of the captain or an experienced player, visibly showing strength, fight or an unwavering belief when needed, always seems to be praised and admired the most. Is it right though that these attributes are applauded so greatly? What does it really take to be a leader and how does that fit in today’s changing world?
These questions were at the forefront when Sport Industry NextGen in partnership with Barclays warmly welcomed its third year of leaders, as they embark on the yearlong programme designed to nurture their talent and better equip them for future leadership roles. After a record number of entries, this year’s cohort of 30 were unveiled at Sport Industry NextGen Unlocked in Shoreditch alongside senior figures from across the sporting industry. With the evening comprising of interviews and panel discussions, it provided an excellent opportunity to share stories, to gather insight and learn from sport’s successful leaders past and present.
With social media having an ever-increasing influence on the direction of conversation and debate, the need for equality, inclusion and diversity, across, and especially at the top of any industry, is staring us in the face. Quite rightly therefore this was a hot topic throughout the evening and something that was very much at the heart of World Champion diver, Tom Daley’s advice for the room.
Emphasising a need to ’embrace other people’s differences’, and asserting that ‘different perspectives can help create a much bigger and brighter idea than just one person in isolation’ is something I couldn’t agree with more. Having seen a multitude of changes as a sportswoman across three decades, living the difference between spectacular failures and the ultimate success, I know that our ability to play to the different strengths across the whole playing squad and management team, was significant in claiming the Olympic Gold in Rio in 2016.
In order to play to the strengths of the group however you need to know what they are. Awareness of self and others, knowing what motivates or demoralises could be the difference between a win and a loss, and it takes time and effort. For David Grevemberg, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, ‘if you’re not learning, you’re doing it wrong’. It is so easy to want to work with like-minded people, where the direction seems clear and conversations flow, but strong leaders welcome challenge, they want to be pushed and stretched, and contrasting opinions and characteristics within a diverse culture will ultimately provide that.
Social platforms are not only guiding discussions, they are also providing renewed enthusiasm for anyone with sufficient passion and drive to affect change, and many companies and leaders are raising the bar by embracing a bigger social purpose. As the GB hockey squad, our vision went beyond our team, and it gave us valuable perspective, whilst allowing us to give our all and ‘be the difference’ everyday. Leading by example, as an experienced player is an attribute that I valued most. In order to challenge others with any integrity and respect we must all examine ourselves in the first instance.
Today, in business, sport and many areas of life, times are uncertain and in a constant state of flux. It is in these times that people search for and demand to be led by strong, assured and authentic leaders. With greater knowledge of psychology and personalities however the acceptance that this can and should take many different forms is growing. No one person can be all things to all people. As the old saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. Now more than ever, an acceptance of difference, an honest knowledge of self and others and an open mind to check, challenge and change will ensure the best outcome on every level.
