Leadership Stories: Jane Williams

Leadership has always fascinated me personally and professionally. Its essence is people. Leaders and their people are entwined in a virtuous circle. Or if there are disconnects it can be very uncomfortable, dysfunctional and so difficult. Political leaders of differing countries, their differing ways of operating and the sheer power of their influence have interested me from an early age and continue to do so.

How to empower and lead effectively is a natural consequence of my interest in people and that is what I still do. It would seem that I have a natural ability to lead too. This fascination and interest in people led me naturally to a career in People Leadership. Fortunately I began my career in one or two top companies which gave many of us the solid foundations to build a leadership career.

What I learned quickly as my seniority increased and from changing companies, is that the style of leadership has to be flexible to suit the company and its environment. The span of control, the agendas, the time horizons and the seniority impacted my style and approach. I have always had the ability to drive the organisation, to set the pace and build effective working relationships, crucial in any role.

It takes more thought, emotional energy and understanding to operate at senior levels. From this experience I have grown more conscious of my values as a leader, their power and impact, and how to bring these to bear effectively. Particularly important and influential values for me are working in a way which unites a group of people through respect, open low key dialogue, equity of reward, whilst embracing inclusivity and enjoying work and life!.

Having worked as an Interim for many years, I have experienced many different leadership styles. For me, the most effective leaders have similar characteristics, including approachability, humility, the ability to be the heart of an organisation which pulsates around them, and create space in which others perform.

My early life was really fortunate until my father and his brother died in their forties, and my guardian as well, all due to heart attacks. Partially as a result of this, my mother suffered from serious mental health issues. Moving forward from this brutal setback I learned to tough out the bad days, do what you can, play to your strengths, and keep the people close with whom you have an innate understanding. One of my team once gave me feedback that there was no-one more reasonable, committed or knowledgeable, this still stuns me. I know that I always give of my best whether I am paid or a volunteer.

The transition from education to employment can be difficult. In my era university places were scarcer so this was not a choice for me. Whilst in the sixth form I had an inkling that a career in personnel could suit me very well. I had worked during my school holidays in the training department of a large manufacturer. So having office experience I made a decision to try retailing. Completely fortuitously I entered the John Lewis Partnership as an A Level Trainee. After six years I moved organisation, with experience and qualified as a retail and staff manager. My career was launched and my hunch was right. From this I learned to keep moving forward with an open mind. It can pay to take a plunge and try something different.

My interim career came from similar origins, as I had one or two managers who worked as consultants and had full time employment. I sensed I might enjoy this way of life, my father had worked in the identical manner too. After eight years at one company in a difficult environment and after leaving, for reasons of redundancy, I gained a new role. An exciting development, except it was very similar to a role I had ten years before. So I decided to resign, put my CV on the open market and the very next day I had news of an exciting interim assignment which would take my career and experience forward.

On reflection I have learned that adversity and success can link together in a disconcerting, almost frightening manner.

• Jump in and start, it is a fascinating career!
• Look round in your life, are you leading now? In which case, who and to where? Know how it is progressing…….
• Learn how to manage your boss or manager first, understand them.
• Be the manager of your team which you always want.
• Be flexible about the route to achieve an objective.
• Not achieving what you wanted, take a chance, pivot another way.
• Always enjoy the journey, make it fun.
• Keep in touch with your soul and instincts.
• Take your passion and meaning with you!