Name: Sophie Libouton

Title: Governance & Methods Manager

Organisation: Solidaris

I am a passionate & sensitive person. I have a lovely family. Married for 25 years and having 2 teenagers, 17 and 19 years old. We have 2 dogs: a small one and a middle one. A black and a white one. (mops and golden retriever) Embarking on an engaging 20-year ICT journey without a prior ICT background, I embraced diverse roles and pioneered innovative approaches to enhance work methodologies. The impact/efficiency becomes evident when we share and drive purpose and storyline.

My key strengths lie in observing the systems, enabling change, getting things done, and connecting the dots between people and organizations.

Creating a safe environment for individual and team growth comes naturally to me. Stimulating and witnessing their development fills me with pride.

Those points are elements of what I focussed on even more in those last 3 while managing a digital transformation program (enterprise service management).

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader, one of the most challenging aspects for me has been finding the delicate balance between moving forward at the right pace and allowing for the necessary distance. Introducing new ways of working and implementing structural changes across departments, each with its own established habits requires a nuanced approach.

It's crucial to invest time in actively listening to and connecting with people. By incorporating their feedback, the process of change can truly become transformative. Recognizing that everyone operates at their rhythm with unique priorities and interests is essential. After all, we're all human, with our own emotions to consider.

On the flip side, when you're deeply passionate about your work, it can be tough to maintain perspective, especially in the face of negative feedback. Developing resilience and nurturing inner peace have been invaluable lessons for me over the years. These qualities are fundamental in weathering the challenges of leadership and sustaining personal well-being amidst the demands of organizational change.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Becoming a leader isn't a linear journey with a clear roadmap; it's an organic process shaped by internal drive and external influences. For me, leadership is a quality that resides within, waiting to be nurtured and developed.

My path to leadership has been a blend of personal introspection and the guidance of influential individuals I've encountered along the way, both in my personal and professional spheres. It's important to note that leadership isn't synonymous with managerial roles; it transcends titles and positions.

True leadership, in my view, is characterized by authenticity, transparency, and the ability to inspire trust. It's about creating a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute their best work. Listening attentively, sharing passions, and fostering growth is at the core of effective leadership.

In my own experience, I had the opportunity to cultivate these leadership qualities while implementing a new operating model with my team. Starting with a modest group of 10 individuals, we grew to a team of 25. Throughout this journey, I witnessed the transformative power of leadership as team members found their voices, embraced autonomy and navigated through challenges with resilience.

I take immense pride in the collective achievements of the team, seeing each member evolve into their brand of leadership. It's a testament to the inclusive and empowering environment we've fostered together. This journey reaffirms my belief that leadership isn't just about individual success but about enabling the growth and success of others.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My day begins at 6 a.m. with a moment of quiet reflection, reading messages, and enjoying a quick breakfast accompanied by a cup of coffee. At 7 a.m., I accompany my son to the train station as he heads off to school, while I board a train bound for Brussels.

During my train commute, I cherish the opportunity to unwind by listening to music and playing games on my mobile device. By 8:30 to 9 a.m., my workday officially begins. I prioritize maintaining focus and being fully present, both in carrying out my tasks and supporting my colleagues.

Each day brings its unique rhythm; it might be filled with back-to-back meetings or punctuated by focused periods reserved for reflection and strategic thinking. I value these moments immensely as they provide clarity and direction amidst the hustle and bustle. Around 5:30 to 6 p.m., it's time to head back home. During the return journey, I unwind with more music and games, allowing myself to disconnect and recharge. Upon arrival, I reunite with my son at the train station, and together we return home.

Evenings are dedicated to family time, where we share stories of our day and prepare dinner together. Following the meal, my husband, our dogs, and I embark on a leisurely walk, enjoying each other's company and the beauty of nature.

Finally, I unwind by cozying up on the sofa, whether it's watching TV, diving into a good book, or simply relishing the tranquility of the moment. This daily routine offers a balance of productivity, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones, ensuring a fulfilling and well-rounded day.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

One of the most profound lessons I've learned in leadership is the transformative power of a cohesive and supportive team. When individuals trust each other implicitly, when they feel safe to take risks and communicate openly, remarkable things can happen within an organization.

In such an environment, where mutual respect and genuine engagement thrive, individuals are empowered to grow and excel beyond what they might have imagined possible. The collective strength of a unified team is nothing short of magical.

In my experience, I've witnessed firsthand the importance of actively listening to the concerns and aspirations of team members. Creating a culture where people feel heard and valued, coupled with strong sponsorship and support from organizational leaders, provides the necessary foundation for success, especially when implementing significant changes.

By prioritizing these elements—trust, open communication, genuine engagement, and strong sponsorship—I've found that navigating through periods of change becomes markedly more manageable. The energy expended in bringing about structural shifts in working practices is significantly reduced when you have the unwavering support and cohesion of a truly unified team and management behind you.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Throughout my professional journey, several key books have been a source of inspiration. Among them, "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni stands out prominently.

In this insightful book, Lencioni delves into the complexities of dysfunctional teams through a captivating narrative. Using a pyramid model, he delineates five critical dysfunctions—the absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results—that impede team effectiveness.

What sets this book apart is its practical approach, offering actionable insights and strategies for overcoming these barriers and fostering a cohesive, high-performing team.

I found myself applying the lessons from the book directly to my team dynamics. By systematically addressing the dysfunctions, step by step, I witnessed a remarkable transformation. Achieving milestones along the way was truly rewarding and served as tangible evidence of progress.

By fostering trust, encouraging healthy conflict, and fostering a sense of collective commitment, our team became more and more cohesive and engaged to reach together the same goal.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

What I would recommend is to enjoy the moment as much as possible by listening to yourself, daring to move forward, and never giving up.

It's important to try things, to fail, to discover the world. Do what makes you feel good and happy. Life is too short.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

During the initial stages of the digital transformation journey I led, I found myself constantly pushing forward without pausing to reflect or take a breath. This relentless pace often outstripped the readiness of both the organization and some of its teams, leading to resistance toward further progress in the program.

Recognizing the need for a shift in approach, I made a conscious effort to remain calm, listen attentively to people's concerns, and carve out time to review our progress with the team, management, and other stakeholders. This deliberate pause allowed us to gain valuable insights, address underlying issues, and foster a shared understanding of our objectives.

Embracing the philosophy of "going slow to go far," I realized that transformation is akin to a marathon, not a sprint. By pacing ourselves and prioritizing sustainability over speed, we were able to achieve more enduring and meaningful results.

This shift in mindset not only eased the pressure on myself but also replenished my energy and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. I found greater fulfillment and enjoyment in both my professional and personal life.

Reflecting on this experience, I wholeheartedly recommend applying these principles to any transformative endeavor. Taking the time to pause, listen, and recalibrate can make all the difference in navigating complex challenges and ultimately realizing your goals.