Samantha Murfitt is a director who has dealt with her fair share of setbacks. Yet, in the running of both her businesses - creative marketing agency Brighter Splash, and horticulture and landscape practice, The Oxfordshire Gardener - she has led in the knowledge that there will always be obstacles in the road, and it is how one responds to setbacks that defines whether they are a good leader.
In recent times, few setbacks have proven greater than the challenges posed by the Covid-19 global pandemic. But for Murfitt, leaders have a responsibility to themselves, their teams, and their business to not shy away from such issues and instead lead by example, adapt, and face them head on.
Murfitt told The Leaders Council podcast: “It is important to remember that there will always be hiccups along the way. As is the case with Covid-19, it is about taking these setbacks head on and being open and willing to talk to those around you through them.”
Murfitt also took the time to reassure listeners that there will always be times where mistakes are made, and it is how one responds to that and seeks to move forward that will define whether they succeed; not having made the mistake.
“There will always be times when you don’t get things 100 per cent right. It’s how you move forward and respond to that. I think you must be honest with yourself and take ownership of your mistakes and then use it to improve and demonstrate that you are continuing toward that greater vision in a more effective way. Responding in such a way breeds resilience but also greater confidence from those around you.”
To successfully navigate stormy waters and even enjoy successes in fairer weather, Murfitt stressed that leaders will always need to call upon the dedicated teams around them. For this to come together, directors, CEOs and managers must not only communicate effectively with their teams but take the time to build trust, invest in their development, and be willing to learn and develop themselves just as their team members are.
Murfitt said: “Nurturing people as a leader is important and communication is a key part of that. It’s also essential in my view to have a sense of humour and make pathways fun and engaging wherever you can.
“This is a necessary element of building trust between yourself and those around you and it is imperative for one’s mental health and wellbeing to keep connected. This is especially relevant with the pandemic situation where much of that regular human interaction was lost for a time.
“We must also remember as leaders that learning never stops. We are always learning and reshaping ourselves as the world changes. Being able to be agile and aware of the changing environment around you is important. You must be intuitive.”
Photo by Jehyun Sung on Unsplash
