An Interview with Robert Wang - Essay Example

We undertake a huge amount of project work and are in a very volatile market segment. Each day we have banks calling us for business and it is my job to assign projects to them. While the company has arranged partnerships with some bankers to whom we give regular assignments, it is prudent to develop new partnerships. The challenge lies in developing new relationships while retaining the old ones. As the partner portfolio grows the task becomes more demanding. During the last 16 years, this job has turned my hair grey.

Q. What are the personal characteristics or behaviors that contribute most to your effectiveness as a leader?
A. I have developed a team of 20 people that assists me and their efficiency sustains my position in the company. I pride myself in building an effective team and have confidence in their abilities. I encourage and support them in their endeavors and they too respect me as their leader. I work late hours as well as on weekends and when needed they put in extra time as well. We complement each other in every way. This attitude is the reason for my success.

Q. Who and/or what has contributed to your development as a leader? What was it about this person or experience that impacted your development?
A. I look up to my best friend and boss Dr. Yang who is both a friend and mentor. We have been together for 20 years now. He trusts my decisions and appreciates my sense of humor. He has contributed the most to make me the competent Leader that I am today and I respect him for this.
Q. What are the most common ethical challenges you face as a leader?

A. My ethical challenge is to be a role model for my young son. I wish I could spend more time with him and my family. I do appreciate and place a high value on their understanding and unflinching support for me and my work.
The Interview with Robert Wang reveals the following qualities of a Leader.
He is a very frank person and outspoken in praise of his boss, co-workers, and his family. He believes in hard work and total commitment to his job. However, his job does not leave him enough time for his family.

These are the key learnings from the interview.
Collaboration and mutual respect are the building blocks of eminent leadership. A successful leader respects opinions, creates a collaborative environment, builds teams, appreciates and encourages subordinates, and takes inspiration from friends and superiors.

The Leader has to work hard to set an example for the followers and to build bridges and confidence between team members irrespective of their positions. This paves the way for a collaborative environment that fosters easy and open communications. For any organization communications, both within and beyond are necessary for smooth functioning and the realization of the corporate vision and mission. It becomes more important when there is cultural diversification and diversity initiatives are required to develop relationships both inside and outside the company. A smart leader can cross this cultural divide and creates trust and mutual respect that build stable partnerships with colleagues as well as business associates.

Family life is essential in personality development as it provides the emotional backup required for appreciating fellow humans. A good leader is by default a good family man and enjoys support and appreciation reciprocally with his family. Read More