Kees Cloin

fellow

I could also have chosen the following quote for the front page of our site: “A leader sets a good example in everything”, because this is, in my opinion, one of the essential elements of good leadership.

On the occasions that I have given guidance to organisations and could take a look behind the scenes, it became clear to me that getting an organisation moving depends largely on what the leader does. A leader must show with every action that he or she is serious about the chosen strategy and approach, leading by example. Employees will see through you very quickly if you don’t practice what you preach. They will also be quick to give their own interpretation of the situation. Good, or rather bad, examples are described brilliantly by Jeroen Smit in ‘The Prey’ and ‘The Ahold Drama’.

Alex Gubman’s ‘Talent Solution’ is a very positive standard work. He effectively describes and explains the importance of both consistent business practices, from strategy to implementation, and of setting a good example.

A large problem for leaders is organising their own feedback. Even if a leader is open to feedback, others in the environment are mostly hesitant to provide it. This is why my clients appreciate my personal need to be honest and open about what’s going on and not to mince words. They want an opinion, a view, sound business advice … and then they decide what to do with it. That’s what leaders are for.

Co-founder Volta | executive consultants and managing pater Volta | Group