Expert Lecture from Gareth Davis: 5th May 2011
Gareth Davis graduated with a degree in Geography and Economics from the University of Sheffield in 1972. He is currently Chairman of William Hill plc and Wolesley plc, and a non- executive director of DS Smith plc.
Gareth was formerly CEO of Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, where he spent 37 successful years developing it from a predominantly UK business into one of the world´s leading tobacco companies - including leading the successful demerger of the company from Hanson PLC, and its listing on the London Stock Exchange in October 1996. A former resident of Earnshaw Hall whilst at Sheffield, Gareth was also a keen member of the football team and is a dedicated Bolton Wanderers supporter.
On the 5th May 2011 at the University of Sheffield Halifax Hall, Gareth gave an Expert Lecture on business leadership and management.
Listen to Gareth's Expert Lecture
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| Talk [62.9MB MP3 : 55min02] |
12 Qualities of a Good Leader
During his expert lecture, Gareth Davis, University of Sheffield alumnus and former CEO of Imperial Tobacco, shared the qualities that, in his experience, are the makings of a good leader.
1. Work hard
To plagiarise the old Gary Player quote – 'the harder I work the luckier I seem to get' – in other words intelligence or intellect is not enough to be able to lead.
2. Know your industry well
Know your industry´s processes of manufacture and sales and try to be an expert on your competitors and other stakeholders in your business.
3. The unstoppable combination
Hard work, informed technical expertise and, above all, a character that enables you to get on with people is a rare but unstoppable combination for success.
4. Learn to be brave
When you have gained experience and knowledge learn to be brave and trust your instincts.
5. Be an optimist
Have a can-do approach to life – see the glass half full. It inspires confidence in others around you.
6. Embrace and value internationalisation in all its forms
By all means be a proud national but by embracing internationalisation your life, career and emotional intelligence will be immeasurably enriched.
7. Take a chance on people
Let them flourish and especially take a chance on youth – you will be let down only very rarely.
8. Walk the talk
A vision and a strategy have to be lived and breathed or you become a victim of rhetoric and are seen as vacuous.
9. Assemble talent around you (above or below)
Be demanding of that talent, treat them well and show them loyalty.
10. Respect the dignity of work at all levels
Never forget the little guy or take them for granted – they need respect as well as reward.
11. Be visible, approachable, accessible and prepared to listen and learn
And at all costs avoid the `not invented here´ syndrome – one of the biggest drags on a business and a massive turn-off to an aspiring management team.
And last but by no means least:
12. Have some fun!
Enjoy your colleagues, celebrate their achievements and try to enrich their lives.