This week I’ve been considering the theme of giving in leadership. Many people think of leaders as “doers” who “tell” others what to do, but in the past week I’ve witnessed two very effective acts of leadership that stem from a place of giving back to the community.

The first was a live crowd-funding network event hosted by Clayton Utz and facilitated by The Funding Network in Melbourne. The event was held in support of three charities SAIL, The Venny, and Boots for All in support of children and youth.

At the event The Jack Brockhoff Foundation and the Colliers Charitable Fund committed dollar for dollar match-funding and by the end of the event SAIL, The Venny, and Boots for All received a whopping $75,000 in crowd-funded contributions. Witnessing the generosity of the room that evening was uplifting; the giving was joyous and purposeful. It was truly inspiring to see.

Clair Turner and guests Clayton Utz, 2018

And while money is recognisably powerful in transforming lives and providing opportunities, active leadership doesn’t require money or generous donations to make a very real impact.

Another recent example of values-based, heartfelt leadership was the Duchess of Sussex’s contribution of homemade banana bread on her visit to the home of Australian farming family in Dubbo.

Her home-baked gesture made news around the world and banana bread recipes are currently the most searched for recipe on Pintrest, evidence of how her act has inspired others.

To me her gesture went beyond politeness, it highlighted an intention to connect, to work as a team and to acknowledge a common ground that we all share as human beings.

I work with leaders, and aspiring leaders, every day. People committed to making decisions that will best serve a team and a community.

As a coach and facilitator I have the privilege of exploring and illuminating their actions back to them, highlighting their “why” so that their deep drivers become clear to them.

To be truly effective it’s important for us all to be connected to our deep motivations, and to find tangible and meaningful ways of expressing them. This includes exploring any blocks that may prevent us from leading with our hearts.

Brene Brown’s The Daring Greatly Leadership Manifesto reminds us that the time for leadership with heart is upon us. She said, “we want to show up, we want to learn, and we want to inspire. We are hardwired for connection, curiosity, and engagement. We crave purpose, and we have a deep desire to create and contribute. We want to take risks, embrace our vulnerabilities, and be courageous.”

I encourage you all to reflect on her words, on Meghan’s act of baking banana bread and on the Clayton Utz giving event and consider the ways that you can lead from the heart and influence a positive difference in your workplace and community.

For more information on The Funding Network please visit https://www.thefundingnetwork.com.au/, and for a great banana bread recipe head to https://www.nowtolove.com.au/royals/british-royal-family/duchess-meghan-markle-banana-bread-recipe-51911

Until next time
Clair

Leading with our hearts