"Where Have All the Good Leaders Gone? On Being Professional in Life"

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge an exceptional Australian advisory firm, Blenheim and Associates, and their principal, Greg W Robinson. Greg coined the phrase “Where have all the good leaders gone?” a question that resonated deeply with me from our first meeting.

This powerful sentiment reflects the ethos of Blenheim and Associates: a commitment to nurturing true leadership and promoting professionalism in every aspect of life. Greg’s insight captures the essence of what leadership should be: selfless, resilient, and community focused. His words continue to inspire, reminding all of us to strive for excellence and integrity in our personal and professional journeys.

Thank you, Greg, and the team at Blenheim and Associates, for being true role models in the Australian business landscape. I’d like to give you my feelings about it, in light of the blogs I have written on LinkedIn about the topic.

In the heart of every society lies the core question: Who leads, and how do they lead? As Australia stands at a crossroads, the spirit of professionalism once the backbone of our nation feels eroded. True leadership isn't a quest for personal glory or superficial success; it’s an unyielding commitment to serve, guided by empathy, resilience, and integrity. Where, then, have the good leaders gone? Have they become obscured by the noise of modern distractions, short attention spans, and the allure of fleeting causes? As a passionate observer, migrant's son, and participant in this community, I contend that true leadership begins with professionalism a discipline rooted in service, responsibility, and unwavering ethics.

Professionalism isn't just a buzzword. It's a lifestyle, an ethos that demands selflessness and a focus on the greater good. A professional leader embodies servant leadership dedicated not to self-advancement but to nurturing those around them. Empathy becomes their compass, resilience their armour. True professionals understand that leadership is a privilege, not a right. They rise above petty controversies, ego battles, and the temptation of popularity contests. They stand firm, grounded in principles that foster community, mentorship, and genuine care for those in their charge.

Yet, what we often witness today is very different from this ideal. Many leaders occupy critical positions but seem more engrossed in personal agendas than in the wellbeing of their constituents. The result? A society adrift, where the true job of leadership, caring for one’s neighbour’s, building community, and cultivating a shared future takes a backseat.

Reflecting on my upbringing, I see the embodiment of professionalism and leadership in the simplest acts of everyday people. My father, an immigrant who loved a beer with mates at the RSL, and my mother, a seamstress who bonded over back-fence conversations with neighbours from Naples and former Yugoslavia, taught me invaluable lessons. They retained their cultural identity yet embraced the Australian spirit of mateship and resilience. Despite facing hardships bullying at school, ripped blazers, head dunking, I learned not to mimic aggression but to rise above it through personal example.

This community-focused ethos is the bedrock of true leadership. It’s about being an active participant in bettering the world around you, not tearing it down. Leadership means weathering storms, learning from mistakes, and emerging stronger, more compassionate, and more committed to serving others. And let’s not forget, it’s about doing so with a healthy sense of humour. We need to laugh at ourselves, share a joke, and appreciate our quirks. It’s this shared laughter that builds bridges, diffuses tension, and reminds us that we’re all in this together. Without humour, we risk becoming too rigid, too self-important. Leadership with a smile, a shared chuckle, and the ability to move on without holding grudges that’s what true mateship is about.

Today's leaders face a unique challenge: navigating a technologically rich landscape where attention spans are short, and the temptation to jump on any bandwagon is strong. In this environment, professionalism is more crucial than ever. It demands focus, integrity, and the courage to stand for something meaningful. Yet, we see many who fall for anything that shines. The victim mentality proliferates, mediocrity is tolerated, and the spirit of true leadership rooted in service and sacrifice fades.

Has Australia lost its sense of self? Have we forgotten to celebrate our uniqueness and instead latched onto every new cause without discernment? The Aussie spirit, forged through hardship and mateship, needs a revival. It’s time to reclaim our identity, grounded in professionalism and community care. And let’s do it with a wink and a nod. Let’s acknowledge our idiosyncrasies and imperfections, and instead of feeling hard done by, let’s laugh them off. There’s something profoundly professional about resilience wrapped in humour , it disarms conflict, fosters unity, and keeps us grounded.

True professionals don’t shy away from mistakes. They learn, adapt, and rise, becoming better versions of themselves through both successes and failures. This iterative process is the hallmark of true leadership. It requires humility to acknowledge errors, resilience to overcome setbacks, and empathy to understand the human impact of every decision.

I’ve shared posts this week about professionalism, and I’ve introduced a survey to help measure one’s professional quotient and leadership potential. These tools aren’t mere exercises, they’re calls to action. We need to get serious about professionalism. We need role models who inspire, mentor, and cultivate a future where Australia remains the lucky country, not by chance, but by the deliberate actions of its leaders.

Where have all the good leaders gone? They exist among us, waiting to step up and redefine what it means to lead. It starts with a commitment to professionalism, a dedication to serving others, standing firm in principles, and fostering a sense of community. Let's hold up role models who exemplify these values. Let’s cultivate an Australia where leadership isn’t about personal gain but about lifting others, where professionalism isn’t optional but essential.

And let’s not forget to laugh. Leadership isn’t just about solemn responsibility; it’s also about shared moments of joy, a knowing smile, and the ability to laugh at our own quirks. That’s the Aussie spirit a spirit of resilience, mateship, and humour. Let’s rise above mediocrity. Let’s lead professionally, selflessly, and with a spirit that honours our past while building a better future.

Thank you for reading, for engaging, and for committing to a higher standard. Together, we can reclaim the essence of true leadership and ensure that professionalism, wrapped in a good laugh, remains the cornerstone of our nation’s identity. C’mon, Australia!

Now take the Professionalism Survey below.

Please rate each statement on a scale of 1 to 5:

? 1 = Needs Improvement (significant development required)

? 2 = Capable (meets expectations but still has room for growth)

? 3 = Proficient (consistent and reliable performance)

? 4 = Mastery (excels in this area, demonstrating advanced skills)

Group 1: Personal Foundations

Preparation

• I anticipate challenges and ensure readiness for unexpected situations.
• 1: I rarely plan ahead and struggle with unforeseen issues. ( ??)
• 2: I make some preparations but often miss critical details. ( ??)
• 3: I usually prepare well, but occasionally miss key aspects. ( ??)
• 4: I proactively plan and effectively manage unexpected challenges. ( ??)

Respect

• I treat others with consideration and value diverse perspectives.
• 1: I struggle to show respect consistently. ( ??)
• 2: I show respect selectively based on situations. ( ??)
• 3: I consistently treat others with respect and consideration. ( ??)
• 4: I foster a culture of respect and inclusivity. ( ??)

Ownership

• I take responsibility for my actions and decisions, especially in difficult situations.
• 1: I avoid taking responsibility for mistakes. ( ??)
• 2: I take ownership when necessary but avoid it when possible. ( ??)
• 3: I consistently own my actions and decisions. ( ??)
• 4: I always take full responsibility, regardless of the outcome. ( ??)

Accountability

• I hold myself accountable for meeting deadlines and achieving goals.
• 1: I frequently miss deadlines and rarely meet goals. ( ??)
• 2: I miss some deadlines and occasionally fail to meet goals. ( ??)
• 3: I usually meet deadlines and goals, but sometimes fall short. ( ??)
• 4: I consistently meet deadlines and exceed expectations. ( ??)

Integrity

• I consistently align my actions with my core values and ethical principles.
• 1: I often compromise my values in difficult situations. ( ??)
• 2: I sometimes make decisions that conflict with my values. ( ??)
• 3: I usually act in line with my values, but I occasionally overlook them. ( ??)
• 4: I always uphold my values and principles, regardless of the situation. ( ??)

Ethics

• I make decisions guided by strong ethical principles and values.
• 1: I often prioritise results over ethical considerations. ( ??)
• 2: I sometimes overlook ethics when under pressure. ( ??)
• 3: I generally consider ethical implications in my decisions. ( ??)
• 4: I always prioritise ethics, even in challenging situations. ( ??)

Self-Awareness

• I understand my strengths, weaknesses, and values.
• 1: I lack insight into my own behaviour and its impact. ( ??)
• 2: I have some self-awareness but rarely reflect deeply. ( ??)
• 3: I understand my strengths and areas for growth. ( ??)
• 4: I consistently reflect on my actions and seek feedback to improve. ( ??)

Lifelong Learning

• I am committed to my personal and professional development, seeking opportunities for growth.
• 1: I rarely seek out opportunities for learning or self-improvement. ( ??)
• 2: I occasionally pursue learning, but it's not a priority. ( ??)
• 3: I am somewhat committed to learning and development, but not consistently. ( ??)
• 4: I am highly dedicated to lifelong learning and continuously seek to grow. ( ??)

?

Group 2: Building Relationships

Service

• I prioritise serving others and contributing positively to my team or community.
• 1: I rarely focus on supporting others. ( ??)
• 2: I help others occasionally, but it is not a priority. ( ??)
• 3: I often support my team and contribute to community efforts. ( ??)
• 4: I consistently serve others and lead by example in contributing to the team’s success. ( ??)

Networking

• I actively build and maintain professional relationships.
• 1: I rarely network or build new relationships. ( ??)
• 2: I network occasionally but struggle to maintain relationships. ( ??)
• 3: I am somewhat effective at networking and maintaining relationships. ( ??)
• 4: I excel at networking and maintaining meaningful, long-term professional relationships. (??)

Mentorship

• I seek out mentorship and offer guidance to others.
• 1: I rarely seek mentorship and do not offer it to others. ( ??)
• 2: I occasionally seek mentorship but rarely offer it to others. ( ??)
• 3: I seek mentorship when needed and provide guidance when asked. ( ??)
• 4: I actively seek mentorship and offer guidance to others. ( ??)

?

Group 3: Leadership & Innovation

Strategy

• I align my daily decisions with long-term strategic goals.
• 1: I rarely consider long-term strategy when making decisions. ( ??)
• 2: I occasionally consider strategy but often make short-term decisions. ( ??)
• 3: I align most of my decisions with strategy but sometimes lose focus. ( ??)
• 4: I consistently align my decisions with long-term strategic goals. ( ??)

Organisation

• I effectively prioritise tasks and maintain clear processes.
• 1: I struggle to stay organised and frequently miss deadlines. ( ??)
• 2: I keep basic structures but often fall behind. ( ??)
• 3: I maintain organised processes and prioritize tasks well. ( ??)
• 4: I excel at organising tasks, resources, processes for maximum efficiency ( ??)

Flexibility

• I adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges with ease.
• 1: I struggle with change and often resist new approaches. ( ??)
• 2: I adapt when necessary but find change uncomfortable. ( ??)
• 3: I handle change reasonably well, though it may take time to adjust. ( ??)
• 4: I thrive in dynamic environments and adapt quickly to new challenges. ( ??)

Innovation

• I encourage and contribute to creative solutions and improvements.
• 1: I rarely offer new ideas or solutions. ( ??)
• 2: I occasionally offer creative solutions, but they are infrequent. ( ??)
• 3: I frequently produce creative ideas, though not always. ( ??)
• 4: I consistently provide original ideas and solutions that drive innovation.

( ??)

?Capability Measurement Guide

After completing the survey, total your scores for each group and refer to the below to assess your current level of professionalism across each group.

Total Score Range

Capability Level

Suggested Action

33 - 40

Needs Improvement

Revisit foundational aspects of professionalism. Focus on developing preparation, accountability, and self-awareness. Seek mentorship and training opportunities.

41 - 50

Capable

Meeting basic expectations. Enhance skills by focusing on strategic thinking, networking, and innovation. Seek feedback and refine areas needing improvement.

51 - 60

Proficient

Solid command of professionalism. Hone leadership capabilities and take on strategic projects. Mentor others to enhance team performance.

61 - 72

Mastery

Excelling in key areas. Act as a role model, challenge yourself with complex projects, and continue refining your skills. Share knowledge and mentor others.

?

?

?

?

What can I do to improve my level of professional leadership?

Notes

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________