Robinson: High performers must learn to lead, not drift

Regional organisation leaders have been urged to avoid complacency and instead multiply success in others.

International guest speaker Chris Robinson delivered a sharp message against complacency, warning of signs such as procrastination, fading passion and a shift from creating to merely consuming.

Robinson, executive vice-president of Maxwell Leadership and author of From Drift to Drive, spoke to 250 participants at the Leaders LEAD Symposium at the Sofitel Fiji Resort in Denarau, Nadi yesterday.

The audience included civil servants, senior executives and emerging leaders from Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Drawing on years of coaching executives and teams worldwide, Mr Robinson challenged attendees to move beyond personal success and become leaders who multiply success in others.

“Leadership is not about position; it’s about people,” he said.

He cautioned high performers who struggle to transition into leadership roles and reminded participants that “people don’t leave companies, they leave people”.

He stressed the need to be intentional about valuing others and treating them as capable adults.

Mr Robinson closed with a practical growth plan, urging leaders to identify areas for improvement, connect with other growth-minded leaders, treat relationships as their most valuable capital and seek out a coach or mentor.

He delivered two sessions — From Drift to Drive and From Star Performer to Leader of Leaders — and his message resonated with participants.

Tanoa Group general manager and group sales executive Mere Rakoroi said the sessions prompted leaders to make personal commitments.

“All leaders spent sessions unpacking and applying the principle of ‘learn a little, do a little’, turning insights into immediate actions,” she said.

Participant Andrea Waqa said the sessions encouraged reflection.

“There were a lot of wow moments for me. The realisation of the seven steps made me reflect on the nature of my work, the relationships we have with the people we work with, and how we add value to them,” she said.

The symposium ends tomorrow.