Learning the value of a good leader

Apr 21 2010 by Andrew Hebden, The Journal

IF EVER proof was needed of the difference that a good leader can make to an organisation, then Nick Clegg's performance in last week's leaders debate provided it.

Whatever the long-lasting consequences of his performance, there is no doubt he has changed the fortunes of a party that for decades has seemed destined to play the part of also-rans.

Granted, Mr Clegg was handed an opportunity never before afforded to the leader of Britain’s third political party. But he rose to the occasion with aplomb, delivering a measured performance that clearly captured the imagination of the watching millions.

Clegg wasn’t the only leader making a surprise intervention over the past few days. On Monday, Sage chief executive Paul Walker also made an unexpected announcement, revealing his intention to stand down.

Mr Walker is not the type of character to overstate his own influence on Sage, but the firm’s success under his leadership has been transformational.

He may not have been there from the very beginning of the Sage story, but Mr Walker has taken the vision of founder David Goldman and taken it to the next level and beyond. His vision to build a truly international business has been skilfully brought to reality through a series of international acquisitions.

In doing so, he has created one of the true giants of the North East business world, with a serious global presence. But as well as being an effective leader of the business, Mr Walker has also played a prominent role in the local community.

Sage may now employ more than 13,000 people around the world, but it remains firmly rooted in the North East. It lends its name to the spectacular concert hall in Gateshead but also plays its part in the region in more subtle ways through its close association with the Business in the Community (BITC) organisation.

That commitment to the region stems from the top. Mr Walker is a former regional chairman of the BITC, is the Prince of Wales’s ambassador for the North East, and is also chairman of Science City. In the latter role, he has driven forward an organisation where progress had apparently stalled.

Paul Walker clearly leaves Sage in good shape, although chairman Tony Hobson faces a tough job finding a successor. While Mr Walker has not yet revealed his own plans, it would be great if he were to stay in the North East.

Leaders of his calibre are, after all, few and far between. Just ask the Lib Dems.