Being accountable and representative
Practising good governance and being transparent and accountable is an essential part of a leader’s role. Most sector organisations, especially publicly funded ones, have governance requirements to meet. These differ by organisation but establish the levels of accountability (including financial), transparency, diversity and inclusion, welfare and safety and integrity required from those who work for and govern it. They also influence the organisation’s culture and reputation, and impact on the experience of everyone that interacts with it.
Being authentic can help to build long lasting relationships, inspire trust and foster more positive working environments. Leaders who are genuine, open and honest, encourage others to behave in the same way.
Leaders, especially those working to tackle inequalities, can use their influence to ensure equality, diversity are inclusion are at the heart of everything they and their teams do.
Having a range of diverse voices encourages and enables wider perspectives and brings valuable insights. It can help strengthen trust and relevance between leaders and with their communities. When teams at all levels reflect the diversity of the wider community, it sends a powerful and welcoming message of inclusivity and understanding.
Leaders are often in a position of trust, power and prominence. It’s important to lead by example, exhibit cultural competence, be an ally and use their role to advocate for and amplify the voices of underserved communities.
Reflective questions
- Do the leaders and decision makers in your organisation represent the community you work in? Who’s missing and how can you get them involved?
- What would your colleagues say about you and your Board’s leadership styles? How open and accountable are they? Are you comfortable admitting things that have gone wrong, sharing the learning from this and highlighting your own areas for improvement?
- Are you bringing your authentic self to work? Are others able to bring their true selves?
- What are you doing to ensure you’re a visible ally?
Leaders tackling inequalities Sports Governance Academy Black Leaders in Sport Network
Stay up-to-date
You can find out exactly how we'll look after your personal data, but rest assured we’ll only use it to make sure you receive our newsletter, to understand how you interact with our newsletter, and to provide administrative information about our newsletter.