Leadership Lens: SA’s Governor on the different types of leadership
The most effective leaders are the ones who listen to their counterparts and think deeply about the future, writes Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia.
Leadership turns ideas into action, challenges into solutions, and groups of people into strong, connected teams.
We see examples of leadership wherever people step forward to contribute, influence, and take responsibility for the world around them.
Here in South Australia leadership takes many shapes, and is visible in communities, schools, workplaces and organisations of all descriptions.
It can be seen in the curious student who asks questions, the volunteer who comes forward without being asked, and in teams working together to achieve shared goals.
Leadership is visible in our industries and workplaces. I see it in my icon and industry visit program, where my husband, Rod, and I have the privilege of visiting South Australian businesses to learn how leaders drive innovation, empower teams, develop their workforce and build partnerships.
I see it in regional communities where council members, local business owners, volunteers and school students demonstrate resilience, ingenuity, and commitment to improving the lives of those around them.
Leadership looks different in different settings, but its impact is always felt.
We see leadership shape outcomes in everyday life, in organisations, in politics and, internationally, in response to global challenges.
As a young diplomat doing a stint at the United Nations in New York, later when I worked for Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister, and then when I served as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I observed world leaders at work, many of them outstanding in the service of their country.
I saw how complex international negotiations can produce outcomes when leaders show respect, understanding and creativity in solving what might seem like intractable problems.
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The most effective leaders, in my view then and now, were the ones who listened to their counterparts and thought deeply about the future.
Throughout my career, I have seen the difference that thoughtful, inclusive, and sometimes even courageous leadership can make.
On my way to my first school visit for this year, I noticed the principal had observed in his welcome on the school’s website that “achievement is most rewarding when it is shared”.
It made me think of the understanding I have gained of how great teamwork contributes to performance – whether at the Adelaide University Boat Club during my university years or at the Australian Embassy in Beijing when I served as ambassador.
Now as Governor, one of my priorities is to encourage South Australia’s leaders and future leaders, whether a Year 2 student elected to an Area School’s Student Representative Council, a young entrepreneur getting started at Lot 14 on North Terrace, a retired office worker setting up a community garden, or indeed anyone who sees a need and tries to meet it.
We all benefit from encouragement from time to time.
Sometimes a simple “thank you” is all that’s needed.
When Rod and I talk with student leaders, I always make a point of thanking them.
They are great role models, including for how to “give back”. They learn how to make positive change and they understand the power of working as a team.
When Rod and I invited the captains of the men’s and women’s SANFL teams to a dinner at Government House with their partners, we wanted to acknowledge their leadership and the example they set in a community which holds its sporting heroes in high regard.
We also wanted to encourage the male captains to support their female counterparts at a time when the women’s game was and is still developing.
On other occasions, recognition is more formal.
The SA Women of Impact Awards, the ceremony for which is held at Government House each year, celebrate the contributions of women leaders and the importance of diverse perspectives.
INDaily’s 40 Under 40 celebrates business leaders under the age of 40 making impressive contributions across every sector at its annual awards night. They’re exceptional people and I’ve enjoyed welcoming them to Government House to celebrate their awards.
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The Governor of South Australia Commendations recognise students who have achieved excellence in SACE subjects and made outstanding contributions to their school communities as leaders in a wide variety of ways, often beyond formal leadership positions. Many of them will continue their leadership journeys.
School students and young people often ask for advice about how they can develop their leadership capabilities and fortunately there are many ways to do this.
Participation in the state Student Representative Council, Youth Parliament, Model United Nations, debating, Scouts or Duke of Edinburgh Awards all provide opportunities for development, as does volunteering with the many not for profit organisations which serve our community.
As Governor, I work with a range of organisations which help leaders reach the next stage of their development.
This can be through scholarships, such as the Rhodes, General Sir John Monash and Charles Hawker, or study opportunities for potential CEOs offered by the Industry Leaders Forum and Chief Executive Women. Churchill Fellowships can also help leaders develop their ideas.
A fortnight at Harvard’s Kennedy School, 10 years ago on a James Wolfensohn Public Service scholarship, gave me an opportunity to develop my own leadership in quite profound ways.
Sometimes the most useful ways of developing leadership come through bringing leaders together to foster shared learning, reflection, and personal growth, as the Governor’s Leadership Foundation (GLF) program does.
Run by the Leaders Institute, the annual program focuses on maximising participants’ outward impact.
Developed during the late Sir Eric Neal’s term as Governor, the GLF now has more than 900 alumni.
I love discussing leadership with “GLFers”, who I encounter across the state in a wide variety of roles, typically actively engaged in problem solving and making a difference.
My career as a diplomat and my work as Governor have shaped my understanding that leadership is a practice grounded in service, strengthened by collaboration, and sustained through integrity and courage.
By nurturing leaders, listening to diverse perspectives, and upholding values of integrity and service, we ensure that our state’s future is resilient, equitable, and dynamic.
The opportunity, and the challenge, for each of us is to lead not only with skill, but with generosity, curiosity, and a commitment to the common good.
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC is the 36th Governor of South Australia.
Leadership Lens is a monthly column produced alongside the Leaders Institute of South Australia. Click here to read the series.
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