“It is not the experience that teaches us, it is the reflection on the experience that teaches us” – John Maxwell.
When you were at school which learner was nominated and elected as a class representative and eventually as one of the school leaders? Was it the quiet, humble person who got things done? Was it the louder more popular person putting on a show, full of promises? When the popular leaders were eventually elected, did they in any way perhaps let you down as your representative? If you were a leader in school I am not undermining your nomination or influence, just sharing what I experienced.
Generally the popular learners who put on a good performance were the ones nominated for leadership. This experience is based on events over 40 years ago so things may have changed. Sadly, based on what I saw with my own children, this process is pretty much the same. The learners in my day would dream up all sorts of theatrics to market and promote themselves ahead in the highly contested elections. Other candidates who were really keen to be school leaders however they unfortunately usually ended up not getting elected.
I was never a school leader. Many times I reflect on how my career has panned out so differently to the time I spent at school. The number of times I led teams, projects and served as a chairman of many associations, clubs and boards is difficult to recall. What I saw at school was that leadership was for the chosen few which excluded me. There was no desire to lead anyone – I was battling to lead myself at that age! In my opinion the school environment leadership was a show with the strength of the applause serving as the casting vote. Ultimately I guess these leadership nominees had to “impress” the electorate to secure the vote!
Is this what leadership is about? How many leaders have you seen nominated due to popularity instead of merit, influence and outcomes? As you reflect on 2025, what has your leadership journey been like?
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese fascinates me. In an era when political leadership often seems to be more about theatre, bold personalities and loud proclamations rather than wisdom, Anthony stands out for his humility and simple yet profound wisdom. This man is the son of a single mother who had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Growing up in a council house amidst financial struggles he was the first person in his family to complete a Degree. He did this through hard work and by working multiple jobs. His education contributed to his rise to the highest office in the nation. This is a man whose leadership journey has been shaped by struggle, service, and quiet resolve.
Albanese’s early years in inner-city Sydney were marked not by privilege, but by perseverance. Growing up in modest circumstances, he learned the value of community long before he started his political career at university. These formative experiences instilled in him a sensitivity to the lives of ordinary Australians as he went onto enter parliament. Empathy has defined his leadership characteristics.
Another defining characteristic of Albanese is not a dramatic charisma or a confrontational political style, it is steadiness, collaboration, and the ability to listen deeply. His actions are theatrical, they are deliberate, seeking consensus over animosity and serving the community. Leaders can learn from his humility which does not in any way diminish his authority. When leaders understand that power is not a possession but a responsibility we will see a better world. Anthony’s personal journey reminds us that leadership forged in hardship creates a higher level of focus on social justice, and presents a high level of authenticity and strength through humility.
What is the message we can take away? Your experiences of humility often develop resilience which can shape extraordinary leaders. In a world full of the theatre of politics, even at a school level, there seems to be a vacuum of integrity and authenticity. Remember that your humility is not the opposite of leadership, it is its foundation.
Paul Tanton
Leadership Entrepreneur and Coach
