I have the huge joy, privilege and satisfaction of working with my Dad in our family business. Initially joining Agencia as a Consultant after various London jobs to earn my stripes, I have steadily worked towards becoming Joint Managing Director. As all business owners will know, the excitement, responsibility and challenges of leading and growing a business are never straightforward, but the sense of fulfilment and pride are rewards that are second to none!
As Dad gradually reduces his time commitment to Agencia, and I take over more of the leadership of the company, ready for being the sole MD, it seems timely to reflect on some of the business ‘lessons’ I’ve learnt from my Dad. These continue to help me on a daily basis, and I hope that by sharing them, they will prove of some benefit to you too.
1 Know that you have everything you need to do a great job exactly as you are!
As I’ve become a Managing Director of Agencia alongside my Dad, I’ve always been acutely aware that ‘Dad’s shoes are hard to fill!’ I’ve often wondered ‘Am I the right person for this job?’ ‘Am I good enough, clever enough, confident enough, experienced enough..?’ As the next generation, will I be able to make Dad and our team proud and match (or even beat!) what Dad has managed to do?
The variety of our work means that no two days are the same – for example our current contracts include work providing an “Active Recovery” service for registered drug users on behalf of North Lincolnshire Council and work in Bosnia & Herzegovina on behalf of the British Embassy with the State Prosecutor’s Office (the office that prosecutes war crimes, organised crime cases and corruption cases).
There have been many occasions where I’ve had sleepless nights over clients, team members, finances or how to try and best navigate my way through 101 different situations, but each time, Dad has consistently reassured me that ‘I have everything I need within me to handle whatever comes my way.’ Knowing that he believes ‘I can handle it’ has made me believe it too. I’ve learnt that I’m at my best when I’m myself – not when I’m trying to ‘be like Dad’ or some alternative idealised version of what I think an MD ‘should be like.’ I may wear different shoes to my Dad, but they are equally good shoes!
2 Hold your nerve and keep the faith
It’s fair to say that in the life of Agencia we have certainly had the odd moment of coming close to giving in, or giving up. We’ve encountered legal threats, attempts to sabotage or ‘white-wash’ our reports, had jobs to deliver which at times feel like ‘mission impossible’ and even an occasion when staff have been followed by plain-clothed police….don’t ask! We’ve also survived the recession which is no small achievement when almost half of the businesses in our constituency have dissolved over the last 5 years. Not surprisingly therefore (as I’m sure every other honest business owner would tell you) there have been moments of wondering ‘Is the hard work, responsibility and risk worth it?’ At times like this, Dad has taught me to ‘hold my nerve and keep the faith.’ However scary things sometimes feel, to this day we’ve somehow always found a way through. So next time I’m wrestling with something which seems insurmountable I will recall all the other challenges we’ve overcome and draw the courage to press on.
3 The importance of ‘over-communicating’
Communication sounds simple. However, when it breaks down, it can be disastrous. Agencia has been trusted to deliver in excess of 400 contracts. Along the way, we’ve learnt that the art of successful delivery lies in effective communication. So much so, we’ve embedded the mantra of ‘over-communicating’ in our company values.
My Dad is renowned for being an excellent communicator; he has a gift for engaging and talking to people. He earns their trust and people open up. Admittedly, he does have the benefit of being a former Clinical Psychologist, but watching him has taught me the value of simple, personal and genuine communication. In true Yorkshire style (though he grew up in Surrey), he will ‘tell it as it is’ and people appreciate and respect him for this. Let’s all keep this in mind next time we’re using jargon, or hiding behind our email.
4 It’s not your job to have ‘all the answers!’
As a business leader, I frequently find that people look to me for direction and answers. Not unreasonable, I hear you say……..! That’s what you might expect from a good leader. However, at times, the pressure to drive things forward, make decisions, trouble-shoot and develop solutions on a daily basis is tough! Crucially, Dad has taught me that it’s not my job to have ‘all the answers!’ However, it is my job to build and support a capable team; involve, consult, and enthuse them (and sometimes get out of the way altogether) so that together, we will probably come up with at least most of the answers – if not all!
5 Get out of the office and take a walk each lunchtime – whatever the weather!
We are fortunate at Agencia HQ to have a waterside office on the River Humber. Not only does this provide us with glorious views and the opportunity to spot wildlife on the estuary, but it is also a great place for walking. As the pace of life increases and things always seem busy, it would be easy to eat lunch at my desk, but (and quite literally, following in my father’s footsteps), I have adopted his approach of making a point of leaving the office at lunchtime, and going for a walk – in the opposite direction! Not only would I recommend a walk for its therapeutic value, but I find I get many of my best ideas at this time, and that’s good for business!
More Information
Agencia is a change management organisation, offering consultancy, training and service provision to the public, private and third sectors. Established in 1997, Agencia has an outstanding track record both in the UK, and internationally, in its core markets of justice and health & social care.
Should you wish to talk to Helen or Andrew please contact them on (01482) 649900 or helengibson@agenciaconsulting.com and andrewgibson@agenciaconsulting.com
