Name: Alan Thomson

Title: Director

Organisation: Reliance Leadership

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Alan's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

It is good to walk with humility, allowing the work of Christ to strip us of selfish gain and self-centredness to show CARE, compassion, and true kindness to our staff. This is a work of commitment to the ONE who humbled Himself to obedience of His Cross.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

Vision has the power to inspire and is a reflection of IMAGINATION. Once inspired, it will form POWER. Mission is the roadmap to fulfill the Vision and shows who we are. It should include goals set and goals achievable.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

Introduce them to the Grace of God, which shows us Inspiration, Motivation, Instruction, Impartation and Empowerment. By accepting Christ, we have His Grace that will change our lives to do the things we need to do for His Kingdom.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

I went to see John Maxwell in 2013 and was part of his Certificate Coaching Course. He exercised his experience as a leader and gave examples that would reassure me in what I have embarked on.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

Start the day with the LORD and listen to Him for the strategies

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

I look at the year behind to see what can be improved for the year ahead. Pray, Pray, Pray, get the seasons and the times we are in, and work with the Holy Spirit to formulate a PLAN, look at the financials, and what is available to me at this time.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

We have a Bushwalk Coaching course called BRAVE, Bushwalk, Retreat, Adventures, Viewing, ETERNITY. On this course, we are asked questions to handle delegation issues, gain confidence and move with WISDOM.