THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP NETWORK

Declan Andrew talks personally about leadership

Throughout life you have numerous people above and around you, some can lead, some can manage. Rarely do you get someone that can do both to a high standard. In fact it’s sometimes impossible to do both. Managing is ensuring those below are doing what they are meant to be doing – ensuring tasks are completed and ticking boxes. Leading is coaching people to be better, providing them with the confidence and tools to be better, setting an
example for them to follow, empowering them to grow and progress within their role.

I know someone that can do both. Someone that believes in everyone and can motivate you without you even realising, she has the ability to completely turn upside down what you were first thinking – she gives you the ability to see outwith the box, reflect on decisions made and overall become the best – learn from mistakes, take safe risks, make decisions without worry of consequence. This makes her the perfect leader, someone I have watched literally build the career of so many people and lead them successfully to success.

She can manage as well by ensuring perfection is what would describe your work, she can think on her feet, task you with the biggest lists of things to do, discipline you when this isn’t done but ultimately lead you to how this should be done, what can be done differently and empowering you with the responsibilities of her lists – ultimately leading to you ensuring it is done, as when your leader is happy and proud you are motivated to continue doing work to that level, you’re encouraged within yourself to get things done the right way, tick off the list and set an example to everyone around you – ultimately you become the leader without even realising.

From the interview process to the day I started she saw the potential in me. She shaped me without me even realising, instilled belief and confidence in me and she did this through words and actions.

She took me from being an unmotivated person with so much to give to someone people looked up to and learned from – she made me a leader. She taught me how to be harsh in a productive way, how to manage individuals to ensure I was leading and getting the best from them but also empowering them to make and own their decisions.

She taught me how to reflect, how to overcome past experiences and use reflection as a way to learn and be better. She allowed me to make mistakes and learn from these. She empowered me, pushed me and took me out of my comfort zone. She listened to my rants, my back chat and my anger. She frustrated me to the point where I could have given in – but when you value your leader so much, you never give in – you run through walls for your
leader, you would do anything for them.

I am now a great leader because of her, the importance of the belief she displayed in me is never to be underestimated and something I have for others that I lead. She took a scheme boy with aspirations and turned them into reality. From the tantrums I would throw, arguing back, disrespect and sometimes utterly moronic ways I would go about things she stuck by
me, accepted me for who I am and developed me bit by bit.

I am the leader I am now because of her. Her name is Jenny and I owe her forever.