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By Mikayla Van Welie, General Manager at Africa Institute of Emergency Medicine (AIEM)

When I first stepped into leadership roles, I was driven by the traditional notions of leadership – decisiveness, strength, and resilience. However, over time, I realised that my most impactful leadership moments were those where I leveraged empathy and emotional intelligence. 

Understanding my  team’s emotions, acknowledging their challenges, and celebrating their successes helped build a trust-based environment. This approach not only fostered a supportive workplace culture but also  motivated my team to achieve collective goals with a shared sense of purpose. 

Building genuine relationships 

One of the most significant shifts in my leadership style has been the focus on building genuine  relationships. I discovered that fostering open communication and creating a space where team  members felt heard and valued led to greater collaboration and innovation. By being approachable  and actively listening to others, I cultivated a team environment where everyone felt empowered to  contribute their ideas and perspectives. This approach often resulted in more creative solutions and  stronger team cohesion. 

Leading by example 

Embracing soft power also means leading by example. I strive to model the values I wish to see in my  team – integrity, resilience, and a positive attitude. By demonstrating these qualities, I inspire my team  to adopt similar values, creating a ripple effect that influences the entire organisation. This alignment  between my actions and values has been crucial in building credibility and trust. 

Balancing strength with compassion 

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that true strength in leadership comes from balancing  firmness with compassion. While it’s important to be resolute in decision-making, I’ve found that  approaching challenges with compassion and understanding often yields better outcomes. This  balance has helped me navigate difficult situations with a calm and considerate demeanor, ensuring  that my decisions are fair and inclusive. 

Empowering others 

Finally, leadership to me also means focusing on the empowerment of others. I believe that the  greatest leaders are those who uplift and develop their team members. By investing in their growth,  providing constructive feedback, and recognizing their achievements, I’ve seen firsthand how a  supportive leadership style can unlock potential and drive success. Empowering others not only  enhances their performance but also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to our shared  goals. 

Leadership is about inspiring and nurturing potential. There are many great leaders we can look up to,  but I find that this quote from Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) summarises it well: “Leadership is  about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your  absence”.

Mikayla Van Welie is the General Manager at Africa Institute of Emergency Medicine (AIEM)

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