Leadership and the Importance of Timing

By Robert Blandford | Associate Director Alumni Relations | University of Tasmania

Article originally published in the Educate Plus Face-2-Face Magazine, November 2022

In that moment of terror when an email lands in your inbox asking you to write an article about leadership, imposter syndrome kicks in; you think, “I am the last person they should be asking. I don’t think I’m a good leader… yet!”

These were the thoughts that flashed through my mind when Mandy McFarland’s email popped into my inbox, asking me to write such an article. Wrongly or rightly, those thoughts are still part of the picture of my leadership journey … but only part.

For those of you who don’t know me already, before moving to Tasmania, I spent 13 years working at UWA in Perth. Half of that time was spent in the Faculty of Engineering in various administrative roles, and the rest in a vibrant and fun Alumni Relations team, with my manager Jenn Parsons giving me the bug for this work. Once the bug had bitten me, it bit hard. Once you’ve tasted the excitement of seeing people get a kick out of their involvement with their alma mater, it’s hard to go back!

Fast forward to 2021: I found myself leading Alumni Relations at a university over 3,000km away and with a very different climate. How was it? Hard. Hard to make the adjustment. Hard to settle into a new place after being in Perth for so long. Hard to lead a team when I’d only been a team member before.

When I arrived at UTAS, I wanted to change everything immediately and somehow expected everyone to come along on the journey with me. I made an arrogant and silly error – I forgot how long it had taken me to learn all the stuff I was preaching. I was guilty of expecting others to come along on my journey without taking the time to teach, tell, show, explain and allow people to digest.

Fifteen months later, I have settled into a groove. I haven’t “given up” or decided it’s all too hard, but I have learned that everyone needs to deal with change at their own speed. You can’t drag people into the river to swim. You need to show them gently; be kind, be patient, and if necessary, jump into the water with them.

Now I have relaxed and settled into my role, I have fallen in love with my team. Each of these individuals are amazing humans and have unique and extraordinary qualities to bring to their roles. I love working with them and, above all, I love seeing the work they can produce when they’re given the time, space, and trust to get on with what they do best.

I know that I still have a role to play in helping to push boundaries and help people see the potential they can fulfill – but I don’t need to do it through brute force. I can do it through gentle encouragement and quiet leadership. And, laughter… don’t forget laughter.

So, what are my tips for leadership so far?

Reflect on how long it took you to learn your skillset.
Be realistic about the time it takes to bring others to the party.
Get to know your team deeply by taking time to understand what they’re best at.
Acknowledge what is working well and plan slowly and carefully what needs to change.
If you want to make change, make sure you get buy-in; Don’t proceed until you have it.
Have fun with your team and enjoy their unique qualities.
Be prepared to jump into the water yourself.
And be kind, every day.