Arataki, the Let's get real approach to leadership: Leading self

• What do you know about where you come from, your cultural identity and values?
• How does this shape your approach to leading yourself?
• How does this knowledge inform your decisions and actions towards self-care?
• How do you apply your knowledge and identity to navigate challenges and to work with others toward shared goals? 
• How does this knowledge influence your interactions with people and the world and what is the impact on those around you? How do you model interactions with others?
• Consider if you are moderate paced, reflective, accepting. Or are you fast paced, dynamic and challenging?
• Who are the people who support you when you feel pressure?
• How do you show up when under pressure and what is the impact on those you lead?

These are topics that can be explored when accessing your supervision, mentoring or coaching sessions.

Our values inform everything we do. Values informed practice prompts people to understand their own values – what is most important in their lives – as this will assist them to understand themselves as well as those they work with.

Use the Let’s get real values cards and other resources to reflect on the values that drive your approaches and decisions.

Five qualities for effective leadership have been outlined by Spiller, Wolfgramm, Henry and Pouwhare in their report Effective Maori leadership and decision-making for prosperous economies of wellbeing. Four of these qualities applicable to wellbeing and resilience are described below.

Kia hauora – be healthy

Healthy leaders have the following characteristics:

• make good decisions
• help others grow
• are healthy role models physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually
• learn how to better manage stress and burn-out
• are kind, generous and loving
• are calm and steadfast under pressure
• keep their ego in check, are self-aware and possess emotional intelligence
• are not bullies.

What is one thing you can commit to changing?

Is there some support you can receive to make this change?

How will people experience this change in you?

Kia tau – be grounded

The second quality of effective Māori leadership and decision-making is kia tau – to be grounded.. Grounded leaders are people who recognise the leadership journey is evolutionary – that is, they are a “work in process” and there is much to be learned from the contribution of those around them. Grounded leaders uplift and strengthen Māori identities and discern between tikanga Māori and te ao Pākehā.

Grounded leaders have the following characteristics:

• are culturally grounded and have a strong knowledge of tikanga, values and te ao Māori
• live their values, especially kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, pono, and tika
• are humble, respectful, trustworthy, unifying and courageous
• strengthen Māori identities
  
• avoid "elitism"
• are non-hierarchical and non-judgemental.

Even if you are extremely well versed, articulate and deeply steeped in te ao Māori, when you reflect on what people are wanting from their leaders, is there an opportunity to learn something afresh?

Can you help someone else who needs more self-belief and confidence as they strengthen their identity?

Do you need a wise coach or mentor alongside you to help you better discern between te ao Māori and te ao Pākehā?

The Real Skills Online assessment tool covers the seven Real Skills of Let’s get real. Once an organisation is signed up, leaders can self-assess their capability against leadership indicators for each Real Skill. Visit the Real Skills Online page to find resources for development.

Kia marama – be informed

The third quality of effective Maori leadership and decision making is kia marama - being an informed leader. Informed leaders are described as people who are continuous learners, who gather information from robust sources. As continuous learners, they are open to feedback and growth. Informed leaders have the following characteristics:

• have relevant experience
• are analytical, strategic, consistent and methodical
• are financially literate
• have governance skills
• consider long-term consequences
• champion Māori intelligence across a broad spectrum, such as kaumātua/kuia knowledge, the arts, and practical knowledge, as well as education
• have influence and are politically astute without being "politicised"
• possess a willingness to develop their skill sets
• are coachable spirits who can receive support, advice and feedback
• appreciate the need to develop good followership.

What skills and capabilities would you like to develop further?

Are you growing good effective "followers" who have the tools and confidence to challenge leadership thinking in a helpful, thoughtful and powerful way?

What actions can you take right now to become a more informed leader

Kia pūrangiaho – be clear

The fourth quality of effective Maori leadership and decision-making is kia pūrangiaho – being clear. Clear leaders communicate effectively, openly, honestly, and transparently. Clear leaders have the following characteristics:

• are effective communicators who deliver clear, unambiguous messages
• explain things well
• are honest, open and transparent
• are a wellspring of resilience
• are thoughtful and incisive problem solvers
• have a clear long-term vision
• are succession-oriented
• are dedicated to the kaupapa.

Can you be clearer and more open? How?

What will you commit to do about it?

A Toolkit for Working in a Culturally Diverse Workplace by eCALD includes a Guide For All Managers section (on page 44). eCALD is a division of the Institute for Innovation and Improvement (i3) of Waitematā DHB. The resources are accessible to people working in DHBs and NGOs.