Name: Billy

Title: Ward Member/Councilor

Organisation: Gahuku Rural LLG

I am an elected third tier political leader of a district in Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. I am 42 years old, married and I have a son who is five years old.

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 Billy'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?

Just be simple, kind, honest, show love in your interactions, share their joy as well as their sad moments.

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

It is to me like a roadmap or blue print in guiding your path to achieve results. Without these two is like a car going downhill without a driver.

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

Empower people by leading them in the right path. That is providing necessary support for your people to improve their living standard, improve learning outcomes, traveling on good roads, having easy access to health services, help create economic corridors for them to be independent, etc.

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?

There are so many that I knew off or who have influenced me one way or the other. But few notable ones are Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Micheal Somare. But above all, I admired Jesus Christ. His leadership defines what it means to be a leader in all it's pure facets. His influence, energy, passion, charisma, qualities and values are enshrouded with deep love for humanity. That is why His influence is very powerful that even today people are willing to die for Him.

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

Positive influence, inspiration and motivation. Just be someone that people looks up to for hope, comfort, peace, strength and positiveness in this despairing time.

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?

Being simple and realistic with workable plan. Something that you have the capacity's to accomplish in a given timeframe.

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

Understand fully well the people you are dealing with and delegate accordingly to talents, skills and experiences.