As we report on how government is failing to agree on the best way to renovate the Houses of Parliament while time and money mounts, and last week questioned whether party conferences would give answers on policy, Building feels this little gem from 10 years ago is most appropriate. Four industry titans gave a short lesson on leadership that many feel our politicians would do well to follow.

Hburch 9 25 2017 12 22 07.1

As we report on how government is failing to agree on the best way to renovate the Houses of Parliament while time and money mounts, and last week questioned whether party conferences would give answers on policy, Building feels this little gem from 10 years ago is most appropriate. Four industry titans gave a short lesson on leadership that many feel our politicians would do well to follow, writes Helen Burch.

Leaders have “very much a focus on the future,” said Peter Madden, partner at EC Harris.“They spot where clients are going and what they are going to do next.” “The important thing is to generate openess and trust,” said Guy Jackson, managing director, Urban Splash Build South. Perhaps someone could tell a certain foreign secretary. Can these vital skills be taught? “Some people are naturals and some are never going to be leaders.

Most are somewhere in the middle,” was Steve McGuckin’s opinion, as director of projects at Landsec. “You have to want to do it,” he added. No problem there … Guy Jackson had a more intrepid approach. When his team was struggling in the Alps, “I took the initiative and led us through a glacier field”. Maybe the mountains would bring out some MPs’ noble qualities on the next cross-party team-building day. To read the full article from 28 September 2007, click on the PDF below.

 

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