Raymond Sia
Don’t fret, as there are no profanity in this article.
In Effective Leadership Part II, I spoke about “Reflective Leadership” – Reason & Season for everything. While it is always good to reflect and plot your next plans, it is equally critical that we remember these “F-words” when we plot & plan accordingly.
1. Fast Forward – Have a Vision
Having worked in 2 dynamic Indochina countries for more than a decade (Cambodia and Vietnam), it’s truly amazing to see the economic progress and development of the 2 countries. Kudos to the visionary leaders and supportive Government who had the foresight. Koh Pich (and Koh Norea soon) in Phnom Penh was just a muddy riverbank more than a decade ago but today it has a completely different landscape; with many new iconic high rise buildings thanks to the foresight and vision of entrepreneur leader(s). Thao Dien (now Thu Duc city) in Ho Chi Minh City barely had a high rise building when I first arrived in Vietnam in late 2011 and now fast-forward to 2024, the skyline reminds me of any developed cities in South East Asia.
The difference between a dream and a vision is the latter requires purposeful action and specific timeline & milestones for accomplishment.
2. Feed Forward – Provide a Future
While feedback and (past) performance appraisals are important as they pay our bonuses, we should always remember that what is more critical is the “future” you give your team members. Feed-forward and ensure we provide our team members the accurate, genuine and right guidance for them to succeed in their roles and for their future. Most organisations are overly fixated and “stuck in the past” with historical performances and do not have enough conversation or time for their employees to plot and plan for their future.
Don’t get stuck in any moment (in the past) that you can’t get out of.
3. Fill Forward – Create Leaders
There are some leaders and line-managers who suffer from insecurity. We find it’s hard to let-go, delegate and share our knowledge. Remember you are only one man / woman and we are only as good as your weakest link. Coach, train and create your own mini-me(s) and ensure you transmit your strengths to your team members and always be mindful about your weaknesses as we are all not perfect. In my 30 years of work-life and banking & treasury career, I had the privilege and opportunity to work with a number of great leaders, many of whom I consider good examples to emulate.
Always aspire & work towards leaving your workplace & teams in a better shape & form when you first started-out.
Raymond Sia currently serves as the CEO of Canadia Bank and is an experienced speaker & columnist on Banking, Currencies & Foreign Exchange and Leadership
