Leadership matters, whether in politics, sport or business. It’s simple: to get results you have to lead by example. Leaders cannot afford to tray too far from the coalface or to borrow the words of Barack Obama: “First you assess the facts on the ground, then you present a new strategy.”

Successful leaders have a vision and it is a leader’s responsibility to motivate and energise people to achieve this. Adapting this vision to changing circumstances is crucial, otherwise it can become obsolete.

Fundamentally, whatever you do, say and believe has to resonate with employees. Internal communications become especially important. Be bold and overtly clear, explaining the rationale for decisions while being candid about any problems. Constant communication must flow from the top down and infiltrate each and every employee, allowing staff to have their say too. At Spring Group we engender a culture of trust, accountability and empowerment, with recognition and reward for achievement, thus boosting morale and motivating staff.

Visibility is of paramount importance for a leader; there is no substitute for face-to-face contact. With the advancement of technology it is easy to become detached from your workforce, but this merely produces isolated employees who fail to align their own goals with that of the company’s. Now more than ever is the time to get out and about and to get to know your team. Intimate knowledge of your customers, teams and markets, of the commercial and economic dynamics that are occurring within these markets and of the future trends that will mould both your company and the recruitment industry will determine your success. Observe what is happening and why it is happening, and act quickly and honestly to address issues on a personal basis.

Savvy leaders will cope with the change and complexity that economic uncertainty brings. How long and severe the recession will last, who knows. But one thing’s for sure: it’s imperative to lead from the front to avoid trailing behind.

Peter Searle
chief executive, Spring Group