LeadershipHQ Magazine June 2015 2nd Edition | Page 35

They were also looking for additional ways to understand the skills, innovations, recent projects, achievements, and growth plans and ambitions of their colleagues in the network in a way that allowed them to do so at the time that suited them best. Now every company associated with Queensland Leaders has full access to this online platform in addition to everything else. It also forms the central point of contact for several key elements of our business, and drives much of our social media, CRM and management requirements. Another innovation is the use of interactive audience response tools to enable real time data, feedback and sentiment to be gathered during workshops and forums. Queensland Leaders was an early adopter in embracing this technology, which again was brought to our attention by Members. Further innovation along the way has seen this interactive technology used in the development of long term data trends, leading to practical outcomes for Industry Experts and stories and coverage for media outlets. It would have been easy to continue doing what we were – it was successful after all, but the key is to remain ahead of the game. So as a CEO, what can you do to drive innovation in your business? Start by listening to what those around you are saying and you might just be surprised by what they tell you. The very fact they have taken the time and care to provide you with the information is evidence that they want to help your growth and development. This sort of feedback can be collected both formally and informally – when did you last ask someone in person how they thought you can improve, or send an email to them to this effect? Do you strive to be a reliable, trustworthy and approachable CEO, one that your team feel comfortable in approaching without fear or favour knowing that their idea will be listened to? Have you established a culture of continuous improvement, always reviewing the way things are done and the overall delivery of the products or services you promote? The success of the Queensland Leaders model is now being rolled out further afield, again using innovative business models, techniques and technology. In the past two years, ‘Leaders’ has established Victorian Leaders, New South Wales Leaders, New Zealand Leaders and Western Australian Leaders, with other regions expressing interest in taking the model into their markets. The input and feedback of those around Queensland Leaders has enabled a new approach to the business model to be brought about, and also the development of two unique pieces technology to facilitate this growth. What growth is your business truly capable of, and what are those around you already suggesting that could help make this whole journey more efficient, effective, and ultimately fast-track the end result? Stephen Beirne is CEO of Queensland Leaders, the organisation surrounding growth companies with the knowledge, networks and capital to achieve their growth ambitions. Queensland Leaders / Email: [email protected] / Phone: [phone] Website: www.qldleaders.com.au / Twitter: www.twitter.com/qldleaders LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/queensland-leaders 35 | © LeadershipHQ 2015