1. What are the most important decisions you make as an organisation leader?
Getting the right people in place; establishing the company culture; and setting clear goals. You and your team need to be clear where you are going and how to get there.
2. As an organisation grows there can be a tendency for the “institution” to dampen the “inspiration.” How do you keep this from happening?
Keep everyone fresh and energised with positive new ideas! We have Monday morning stand-ups for teams to present ideas; and monthly meetings where absolutely all staff can come forward – from the back room to the shop floor! We also have bonus schemes for new clients.
3. What is most important to your organisation – the vision, values or mission?
I don’t think you can separate the three – they all go hand in hand! Your values establish your vision, and your vision establishes your mission.
4. How do you ensure your organisation is aligned to its vision, values and mission?
Inductions and quarterly updates which include client feedback reviews to determine any improvements that need to be made.
5. When faced with two equally qualified candidates who do your hire?
For me it comes down to personality! Who fits best into the culture and has similar values. In essence it is about attitude. Winston Churchill summed it up really well. He said: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
6. What is one characteristic that every leader should possess?
I don’t think there is one single characteristic but my top three are determination, communication and delegation.
7. What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today?
Keeping up-to-date with new processes, communications and technology is a massive challenge. Also fundamental is understanding the economy, as is employee engagement. Communications internally and externally are a massive challenge. Social media has brought many changes and the majority of businesses don’t understand how to use it.
8. What one mistake do leaders make more frequently than others?
Ensuring they play by the rules they set their teams, and showing their appreciation.
9. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Be yourself, listen and communicate clearly and concisely. Have faith in yourself and your abilities! Be bold in your goals and ambitions – I am building a rocket to the moon!
10. What are you doing to grow and develop as a leader?
Reading, being mentored and taking the time to pause and watch the people I respect. Seeing how they tackle certain situations and following their lead!
About The Very Forward Rashmi Dubé
Rashmi Dubé LLB (Hons) Mediator ADRg, is the 2014 winner of the Forward Ladies best Business Start-Up award. The founder of Legatus Law, Rashmi has been in the legal industry for 18 years working for firms including Irwin Mitchell’s, Walker Morris and a niche construction law practice. Rashmi set up Legatus Law to provide legal corporate advice at an affordable rate. Having grown a business of her own, she has a deep understanding of what is required to run a business, keep overheads to a minimum, ensure cash flow and understand commercial rates.
Meet Rashmi on our weekly wednesday twitter chat #winnerstalk at https://twitter.com/forwardladies