Bringing people together for change: 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 the... 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.