Pivot to purpose - the leadership shift in 2021

2020 was a year of uncertainty and confusion for one and all. Regardless of whether you were a business leader, a political leader, a billionaire or an ordinary citizen; we all battled the same fear, COVID-19 and survival. We did not understand, we got upset, and we felt our governments were too strict or not strict enough. As citizens, we did our own thing and created our own realities – right or wrong, fake news or no fake news.

An important question to all the leaders out there is ‘What are we going to do differently in 2021?’ Other questions that might shift our thinking and, in answering them honestly will tell us more about ourselves, include what type of leaders we are and what we have learnt during 2020?

Some of our CEOs are so protected by company policy that you never hear their voices and I have often asked myself is that what true leadership is about? Never taking a personal risk to voice our own opinions or share experiences with our peers and others who can learn from us?

Change come with taking the first step and, in 2021, another pivotal question is ‘Will I be courageous enough to speak up and shift our business from a profit-only focus to profit with purpose?’

Am I going to be more accessible in 2021 or am I okay with being placed on a pedestal, always protected and only available to the chosen few?

Do I fully understand how inextricably linked our business and society is; that we need to do things differently in 2021, and change and address our sustainability by looking at these factors?

Do I recognise the value of my employees and that my people are my biggest asset? More specifically, that I need to look after their wellbeing in 2021 and beyond, by creating a prosperous company and a more productive and thriving employee community?

Will I be prepared to reduce my salary in 2021 and not give executives and top management increases, but instead only the low-end earners?

Am I going to consciously address, influence and fight for gender equality in 2021 because, as a leader, I truly believe and understand the difference it can make? 

Do I see the benefit in building more trusting relationships with all our stakeholders in the year ahead?

Can I, as an investor, become less fixated on financial impact and recognise the all-encompassing importance of sustainability and the intrinsic value of both social and environmental impact?

These are just a few simple questions to help us all think about being a purpose-led leader. One who is ego free and who knows that to be the best, sometimes also means being the least. A leader who is caring, accessible and prepared to take risks for the people.

In the words of Prof. Mervyn King: “Your business should always add value to society because if it is not, then society and the environment is subsidizing your business… and if that is the case you should get out.”

Tiekie Barnard – CEO & Founder Shift Impact Africa & Shared Value Africa Initiative

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