Over the last four weeks, I enjoyed working with some colleagues from Leadership & Performance Partners with Glencore. The training is known as associated non-technical skills (ANTS), which the regulator in the mining space has identified as people in mining who do the technical work very well but lack some of the soft skills. These soft skills include teamwork, leadership, communication, decision-making, and situational awareness.
While these are often referred to as “soft skills,” as Ross would say, they are among the most challenging skills to learn. One of the activities involved getting participants to identify who the leaders in their organisation were. After a lively discussion, a profound realization emerged: everyone has the potential to take initiative.
Last week, I facilitated a session with Premier Conveyors PTY LTD, marking the commencement of their Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety. I was amazed to see a similar theme arise. When I asked the group the same question—“Who are the leaders in your organisation?”—the answer resonated with the same insight: everyone can lead.
Recognising Key Contributors in Your Organisation
When asked about challenges in their workplaces, participants were quick to provide examples of both positive and negative practices. More importantly, they were able to pinpoint solutions to these problems, demonstrating that taking charge is not only about making decisions but also about driving change and addressing challenges.
This highlights an important lesson: leading others isn’t confined to titles or positions—it’s about initiative, collaboration, and problem-solving.
The True Value of Key Skills
While technical expertise ensures tasks are completed correctly, it’s the non-technical skills that foster collaboration and drive success. Traits like situational awareness, decision-making, and strong communication help leaders at all levels make better judgments and adapt to complex challenges.
For instance, a technically skilled worker might excel at a specific task, but without effective communication, their efforts could fail to align with team goals. Conversely, a team member with excellent leadership skills can unify efforts, making the whole team more productive.
Investing in training programs like ANTS helps bridge this gap by equipping individuals with the tools they need to lead effectively in their roles.
How to Recognise and Foster Leadership
Recognising leadership at every level can transform workplace culture. Here are a few ways to foster leadership in your organisation:
- Celebrate Contributions: Publicly acknowledge individuals who take the lead in solving problems or improving processes.
- Encourage Professional Development: Offer training programs like ANTS to build skills such as communication and decision-making.
- Promote Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel heard and empowered to share their ideas.
- Provide Opportunities: Let team members take ownership of projects or mentor their peers to build confidence and leadership skills.
By implementing these strategies, organisations can unlock the full potential of their teams, leading to greater innovation, efficiency, and collaboration.
Who Are the Key Contributors in Your Organisation?
Take a moment to reflect on the leaders in your organisation:
- Do you know who they are? Leadership often appears in unexpected places.
- Do you seek their advice? Those closest to the work often have valuable insights.
- Do you truly listen to them? Empowering leaders at all levels starts with acknowledging and valuing their voices.
Unlock the Potential Within Your Team
If you want to cultivate leadership at every level, start by engaging with your team. Create opportunities for them to develop skills, share their ideas, and take ownership of solutions. Programs like ANTS are designed to nurture these essential, transformative abilities.
Are you looking to foster leadership across your team? Contact us today to learn about tailored training programs like ANTS that can transform your workplace culture. Together, we can help your team develop the essential skills for success.
