In episode nine of #TIATalks, host Jason Mizen engages in a thought-provoking discussion on coaching and mentorship with Asiya Swaleh, a seasoned professional in the South African insurance and financial services sector, and former TIA contestant Mandilakhe Madikane.
Building on this conversation, Mandilakhe delves further into his reflections on leadership in this article. He explores whether leadership is an inherent trait or a skill that can be cultivated over time, emphasising the importance of growth, mentorship, and unlocking the potential in others.
Here are his thoughts.
Two things are true though
For as long as I can remember, the subject of leadership has always been a keen interest of mine, what it takes, what it entails, if everyone is capable, or whether a select few are simply ordained by a divine power. These questions and responses have always fascinated and stimulated me.
Two things are true though, whether we can agree or not, once upon a time it was common belief that leaders are born, that you either “have it or you don’t”. Certainly, this was not without basis and easy to accept as fact, as I doubt the likes of Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor and Stoic Philosopher from 161 -180) last of the Good Five Roman Rulers attended a Master Class in Leadership so he may better fit his role to rule Rome, or the likes Nelson R Mandela (Former President of South Africa) who led Defiance Campaigns against an entire unjust Government at an age younger than I am now, was reading Self Help books on the Five Pillars of Good Leadership or How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnergie.
As such, it goes without saying that some great leaders do have it from birth and to them this pursuit certainly comes naturally. For some however, it requires learning, it requires continuous development and commitment, and no other area of Commerce requires such dedicated Leadership as the Insurance Industry.
What is a leader?
Leaders are usually described around a host of personality traits; a visionary, person(s) who provide guidance or direction; Oxford defines it as “the person who leads or commands a group, organization or country”. While this is true and succinct, I often refer to a quote by Jack Welch (Chairman and CEO of General Electric from 1981-2001) when defining Leadership:
“Before you are a leader, success is about growing yourself, when you become a Leader, success is about growing others”.
The quote centers the subject of leadership away from the individual towards the people being led. It talks about “growing others”, using this not only as the definition but the measure of success of great leadership. Donald McGannon says, “Leadership is action, not position”.
As such I propose; in our endeavor to become industry heads, in our pursuit of the title of “spearhead” or “leader”, it is important we take this with us, that our purpose ss leaders is to advance, edify, show and impart skills, knowledge and expertise. It is to identify talent and unlock potential so those who follow may become better. Our success as leaders can only be measured by the extent of our impact.
Unlocking potential
The story of how I entered The Insurance Apprentice is one I have shared many times, and for me The Insurance Apprentice was not a story of achievement but one of the power of good leadership. It’s a story of influence, shaping thoughts, actions and behaviours of another human being. It’s a story of not only identifying potential but unlocking it. This is what encapsulates great leadership.
Simon Sinek puts it that “the real job of leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about taking care of those in our charge”. So, as we define what it means to be an Insurance Leader, it is vital the definition lies upon purposefulness, and features whose focus is stimulus, guidance and unlocking potential.
It is no longer enough for you to be a captivating orator, it is not enough for you to drive budget, revenue goals or monitor adherence to KPIs, it is imperative that we look at leadership as a cause, a resolution, one you have either chosen or called upon.
So, identify the next Insurance Apprentice at your office, encourage in them the potential they do not see in themselves, unlock their greatness and see for yourself how a small gesture of leadership can leave a lasting success.
I would implore you to watch the latest episode of TIA Talks with myself, Jason and Asiya to get the full story of how I got to enter The Insurance Apprentice.