Leaders on Leadership

We asked Tony Haddad (Past President AMCTO) six key leadership questions for today’s existing and upcoming leaders, here are his responses...

Was there one experience that really helped your career? Why?

      My career was assisted by a secondment to manage a public transit company.  This provided me with valuable operational experience to blend with corporate administrative skills to provide a more balanced perspective toward leadership and providing direction and advice to staff and board of directors.

What do you believe to be the most important leadership skill?

        I think the one of the most important leadership skills is the ability to assess matters and provide advice/direction in a timely manner. The ability to articulate and communicate to your audience is essential to effective leadership.

 What do you consider to be the most important decisions you make in your role as a leader?

       Among the most important decisions leaders make are those based on collaborative consultations with colleagues, representing the best interests of the organization.

 In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing tomorrow’s leaders?

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing tomorrow’s leaders?

        Challenges facing tomorrow’s leaders will include support networks that include sufficient experience to support leadership initiatives.  In addition, adaptation to cultural shifts in how we communicate and effectively engage stakeholders and customer expectations.

 What one thing is it that a newly appointed leader needs to be doing more of?

      Newly appointed leaders should ensure and encourage collaborative consultation among the leadership team, comprising diverse representatives to and sustain effective decision making.

 What advice would you give to a new and upcoming leader?

        Surround yourself with a balance of skilled professionals, new and seasoned, with a cross-section of experience as the basis for a dynamic and effective leadership team.