The entire team of SKL along with some of our industry friends and acquaintances attended the CPD session at the Institute yesterday. David Morrison, a retired senior office of the Australian Army has given a moving and powerful speech on his view on leadership. He served as Chief of Army between 2011 -2015 and he has served in the Army since 1979. Stories and experiences that have happened during his time in the male-dominated hierarchy environment changed his view of being a great leader and how to lead an organisation.
Leadership
1. Most people voluntarily chose to follow because they share the same culture and beliefs
2. New society expectation is around diversity and inclusivity
3. Leaders must find the big problem and stand firm to it.
He had been committed ever since becoming Chief of Army to making the Army an inclusive force. “If that does not suit you,” he said, “then get out!” He also told anyone not willing to work with women and accept them as equals, “There is no place for you amongst this band of brothers and sisters.”
Culture is stories that we will tell about ourselves
- “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”
Strategies and conversations are important, but actions will only lead us to live by the culture.
Legacy
- We are all living in the future.
- “What legacy are you going to leave?”
It is important that leaders will listen to the young generation, understand & include those people’s voices and create a society that is prepared for the future generations.
Personal thoughts…
What I see in David as a great leader that he did not mention during the speech was that he is a true leader who is willing to listen, reflect, accept and change.
