Name: Nigel Fairbairn

Title: Chairperson

Organisation: Uniting Education Schools & Colleges Qld Synod

Married for 44 years; 3 children and 6 grandsons Retired school Principal (Dec 2019) after 39 years in education, including over 24 as a Principal in 3 Queensland schools and 1 in New Zealand Chair of two Boards: Uniting Education Schools & Colleges Qld Synod and Grace College (UQ) Board member and Chair of Risk & Governance Committee, The Moreton Bay Colleges Recruitment Consultant, anzuk Executive

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 Nigel'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?

Being honest, open, inclusive, values-driven not being judgmental. Remembering I have two ears and one mouth. Developing a team where the talents of the team complement each other, using professional development opportunities for people to grow individually and as a team. Clearly understanding the end-game, what is negotiable and what is not

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

Mission is who we are; our purpose and our values.

Vision is where we want to go, the steps to be taken, and what we want to achieve within a prescribed time frame

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

Listen to Clear values which reflect the organisation's values of honesty, trust, respect, confidentiality, and a focus on humility and the welfare of others. Encourage discussion and the airing of opinions. Show empathy and understanding. Do your homework and understand the key issues. Never try to be an expert in everything

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?

Ken Symonds - took me under his wing when I was a beginning teacher. Throughout my career, he showed an interest in me, encouraged me, gave constructive feedback, and was a sounding board for my ideas. Suggested strategies to help me achieve, or to try another way of doing things. Was a confidant and never ever breached confidentiality

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

Listen to others; reflect upon meetings and discussions. Ask questions when in doubt / seeking clarity. Not taking myself too seriously

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 have a year planner, and I use my diary daily. I schedule regular meetings with CEOs / team members between formal meetings. I read and ensure I'm across details and ask for clarification when in doubt

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

Have faith in your team and trust them to do a job.

Praise them when they do well and provide constructive feedback when in doubt. It's not always about you!