I don’t envy any leader who has to make decisions for their constituency, company or country right now.  Steven Marshall’s decision to apply strict lockdown measures in South Australia within days of borders re-opening would have been a difficult (probably, sleepless) just when everyone thought it was safe to go out again.   The quote above is Mr Marshall’s response to a question about how the new lockdown restrictions are going to be policed. In essence, he’s saying the community of SA will take personal responsibility for ensuring they do what’s right not only for themselves but for everyone in their state.  That’s the power of communities who want the best for each other. It’s the impact of leading to serve, rather than leading to rule.  

Much has been written about Servant Leadership (there are hundreds of academic journals & professional articles on the subject).  In essence, it’s the type of leadership which requires a community approach (…it takes a village…), one where others before self doesn’t mean self-sacrifice, rather it demonstrates focussing on the greater good creates a better outcome for all.  It’s about caring collectively (look up ‘care’ in the dictionary, it’s a formidable word).  Every company, no matter the size has needed to adapt, re-design, rethink and pivot to a new way of working, connecting with clients and managing their teams.  Some have managed this well, others have struggled.  It doesn’t matter where we fit along this continuum of change, it’s certain we have all learned people and communities are needed more than ever before (tech is just the enabler). 

No doubt you’re reading this and thinking “this is what I do every day with my clients, team, family”.  Yes, you do.  I just thought it might be useful to remind you, because it’s important to remember why you do what you do is so incredibly valuable to many (and the ripple effect you create in your communities, when you choose to serve).   In the last couple of weeks,  I’ve spent time with Paul Giordano, Vogue Financial; Ralph & Emma Taylor, ASAP Financial Advising; Geoff & Amanda Taylor, Majenda and Mark Geldens & Martine Kayes, Sherlock Geldens. Care, passion, concern and making a difference to the lives of others are common traits in all these practices.  It was also great to introduce John Abernethy to some of you.  The conversations were authentic, personal and a testament to the culture our community is founded upon.  John enjoyed meeting you, and has some great ideas on how we (Clime & Madison) can provide better support to our practices.   He also wants to hear what’s important to you.  Next week Principals will receive an invitation to meet the Board.  There will be an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas.  Please take the time to provide questions and feedback when you receive the invitation.  I’ll also be sharing your feedback from our recent survey.  We want our community to thrive and prosper.  This requires all of us to work together.

A final note: Take a moment to think about what could be possible if we took one extra step (leap) towards a common purpose.  If we, the Madison community decided our sole focus was to educate and empower others to serve, to help other lives come better, to create a better future for their communities – what would that world look like?  2020 has presented a whole lot of challenges which haven’t been fun for our community, but we’re making it through.  2021 could be the year we take what we’ve experienced to help others thrive and prosper.  As individual practices we do this well, collectively we have the power to do something very special for society.   

Sincerely,

Annick

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