There follows the notes I made for my Clore Exit interview with John Tussa.
- Overall impact of experience
I am different now. I am calmer, I listen more, I choose not to fight every battle, I can see the other side, and see the value in teams. Clore is like the opening of the view to the horizon and the silent closing of the door behind.
- How much did you learn from other Fellows?
A huge amount, particularly from watching how others work. Most of my career has been in a freelance world where people have very high skill levels in specific trades. This background is not ideal in the current environment, so being part of much more varied teams has been fascinating.
Bore place in particular allows Fellows the chance to be themselves in their fullest, if they choose. It's fascinating to be part of that, watching others come to terms with themselves and having the space to experiment with ourselves.
- What you have learned about leadership?
That it is hard. That it requires immense patience. That it requires entirely different approaches at different times. That sometimes it is about noise and sometimes about silence. That it requires huge resolve and focus. That it requires calm. That it requires an ability to see behind and beyond things and into their centre. That it requires the ability to explain in a very personal way, that it requires being bold and determined and gentle. That it's about finding all these things in oneself in order to be authentic.
- What have you learned about yourself?
I am a good leader. My passion is vital. I need to apply my energy more carefully. I am capable of powerful focus and can use it to generate real change. Working to stay centred is a good use of my time. I need to do the things that I do best, not do everything and not struggle for too long with the things I do badly. I have changed in the last few years, I am no longer a completer finisher (was I ever?) I need people around me who can do that. I am best at the intense entrepreneurial edge, new ideas and new partnerships. When I trust my charisma and vision and use it with care, it is a powerful place.
- Looking ahead - Future plans
Be a leader, create change and build value.
- Any other comments
Clore is at its best when it is empowering, enthusiastic and trusts the Fellows, treating them as genuine leaders. On rare occasions it can be paternalistic, bureaucratic and treat the fellows as students.
It is an extraordinary experience.
On leadership
The weight lifts.
The landscape opens.
Time slows.
The friction and the grinding cease.
A deep breath.
To see beyond and into,
To feel around and between,
To sense all of things
And to know all of people,
And to know, with focus,
With certainty,
With passion,
And with calm,
The trajectory.
Tom Harvey July 2009
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