[LvBS] How to develop a Leadership Character: insights from Davos
What is leadership character, can it be developed, and how does it impact the development of our organizations, environments, and country? This was the main topic of the panel discussion “Leadership Character for Corporate Growth and Social Impact in a Disruptive World” at Ukraine House Davos 2020 – a multi-format hub, which showcases Ukraine and its fast-growing economy to global business leaders via different events and discussions. Each year Ukraine House Davos is operating during World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and the Founding Dean of Lviv Business School of UCU (LvBS) Sophia Opatska was an invited speaker to the panel.
Ukraine House Davos 2020
According to follow up conclusions of Sophia Opatska, first what we all have to learn is to manage ourselves, and then we can manage others. Everyone knows the safety rule on the plane: if something goes wrong, first put an oxygen mask on yourself and then on the one next to you. This is a good metaphor that shows how we need to develop leadership character. It might seem obvious, however, for a sufficiently paternalistic society like Ukrainian, where people are not always ready to take responsibility even for their own well-being, it is a great challenge – to manage themselves, to have no expectations from others, to take responsibility, and, at the same time, to live in peace with yourself.
In leadership 24/76 means that 76% of leadership can be developed. How?
Here are 4 advices from leaders in different areas, participants of the panel discussion “Leadership Character for Corporate Growth and Social Impact in a Disruptive World at Ukraine House Davos-2020:
1. Find good mentors, who could honestly talk to you, and help you to self reflect, and to have a plan to become a better person, – Sophia Opatska, Founding Dean and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Lviv Business School of Ukrainian Catholic University (LvBS)
2. Considering the emerging of Artificial Intelligence in the future, from the very beginning keep in mind to teach AI about ethical behaviour: who knows, maybe 50 years from now we will be treated by AI the way we treat our pets today – Yaroslav Azhnyuk, Founder and CEO, Petcube
3. Clarify “red lines” for yourself, as a leader, which you will never cross – and hold to that. Always keep to your word, which will create trust. Delegate leadership to the change agents in your organization – Olena Vovk, Head of Supervisory Board, Enzym, one of the largest yeast producers in Ukraine.
4. There’s no learning without experiences, but there’s also no learning without reflection on those experiences. Carve out some time – every week or every month – and reflect on our leadership character – Gerard Seijts, Executive Director, Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership, Ivey Business School
To see full discussion (in English) please go to this link
