Feedback is a gift

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager with $10 trillion under management and Sarah is at the forefront leading their UK business. Recently added to the Spears 500 Power List, Sarah is an accomplished strategist, excellent in customer relations and, as we discovered, is enjoyable to be around. It was an inspiring evening for all who attended. 

Sarah is an exemplar for a truly inspiring leader. We can often associate inspiration with a particular character style - highly energetic, extroverted in body language and brimming with fast paced tales of business success or disaster.  In fact, personality style has little to do with what makes someone inspiring. Whilst we might be initially attracted by someone with an excitable, ‘jazz hands’ style, those people who draw us consistently to their cause, embody three deeper qualities, far more connected with character and attitude than style.

Warmth and Empathy 

One of the first, usually subconscious questions we ask when encountering a new person is whether they are a ‘friend or foe’. When joining any team, we need to feel that we’re joining a group that has got our back, not one that wants to stab us in the back. Those leaders who inspire us the most are those who are on our side, who are sensitive to our needs and perspectives. Humility, not hubris, are their hallmark.  

We discovered that Sarah is an empathetic leader. She is interested in others, listens attentively and enjoys relating well with colleagues and clients. Despite easy access to some highly influential people - including presidents of countries - she is most impressed by those who are genuine rather than those who project their status. She’s easy going and interested. She’s open to her people, not closed or abrupt.  

Empathy and warmth do not mean soft or indecisive. Kindness is not weakness. Sarah makes firm and clear decisions and implementing those with empathy. In other words, her people are treated like people, not objects. For us, moral courage, the ability to decide with high conviction and implement with compassion, is an essence of excellence in leadership.  

Power with, not power over 

Power is the ability to influence and affect the world, even if only for one other person. To be inspiring, a leader needs to use their power to influence the world for the better, not just (and perhaps not at all) for their own personal gain.  

An inspiring leader adopts a ’power with’ attitude. Rather than seeking to assert their power over people, like an overlord or dominating control specialist, they share responsibility, invite others in and make themselves mutually accountable. They prioritise purpose in their organisations, orientating resources and effort towards meaningful outcomes and not just short-term targets. They are open to disconfirming opinions and actively seek critical feedback in order to improve themselves.  They exude a quiet confidence; their decisions are founded in a secure, rather than insecure, character.  

With over £750billion under management and 3,500 colleagues in the UK, BlackRock certainly has power. As a company, purpose is high on the agenda. They invest in connecting purpose and values with all team members, especially at the outset of their careers with the firm. Take a look at BlackRock’s ’What’s Your Why’ series via their website. From our interview, it is clear that Sarah, and the company as a whole, possesses an inclusive mindset and is determined to elevate a diversity of people into their business. Whilst founded in a desire to ‘be better’, there are benefits to the business via an expanded talent pool and more creative thinking. 

One of BlackRock’s principles is ‘We are One BlackRock…we work collaboratively, without silos and without turf…’ Sarah described how a ‘together’ mindset is critical to BlackRock’s culture. She’s part of a team, choosing to work together and keep her individual ego in check. As well as being a more enjoyable way to work, this ensures that clients receive the best possible service.  

Sarah’s approach to power is reflected more personally, too. She actively seeks feedback, including from peers, mentors and coaches within and external to BlackRock. Whilst we joked that some feedback doesn’t feel like a gift that we actually want, it’s clear that Sarah genuinely receives feedback, including critique, as a gift. And in turn, she’s very keen to invest her time and energy sharing her experiences to help mentor and elevate others.  

An insecure leader wraps themselves in power. A secure and inspiring leader shares it.  

Presence

The leaders who inspire us are present. They pay proper attention to us, not distracted by phones, tasks or other people in the room. We feel that we have their full attention, that they are listening to us deeply.  They don’t jump in and speak over us, nor use our thoughts simply as a platform for telling us theirs. They want to hear what we have to say, respect the ideas and opinions that we’re raising with them. Colloquially put, they listen with their ears and not with their mouths.  

Presence also encompasses the idea of being keenly aware of the environment. What’s happening within my team, what’s the mood, where are the pressures? What’s happening in my market environment, where might opportunities be developing and what are the emerging threats?  This requires an acute radar, the ability to listen and sense. People with this skill are rarely rushing around from one task to another. They place high value on pausing to reflect, consider options and seek perspectives from those outside of their inner circle.

It was clear throughout our interview that Sarah was keenly attuned, not only to the questions we were exploring but to the environment and mood in the room. She relishes opportunities to meet with clients and colleagues, seeking their feedback and perspectives, sharpening her understanding of what’s truly going on in her business and marketplace. Sarah doesn’t blindly assert her opinions when settling strategy and making decisions. Rather she seeks to understand the underlying issues.

Leaders who listen before they speak, who are attuned to the environment, are inspiring.

Sarah’s enduring thought for us was this; ‘Mentoring is the most powerful thing you can do.’ Be a great mentor, help others to see their potential.