Tom supported my learning and development, expecting a high level of accountability and delegating in a straightforward way. His management style is liberating and empowering, encouraging action under the moto of “if you have any questions, just ask!” Tom’s strength in developing others? He believes in people and their abilities, always taking the time to answer questions and support others.
When I needed guidelines, Tom guided me with honesty and transparency. He leads by example and instills in others a high degree of trust and autonomy. He pushed me outside my comfort zone, directly into interactions with senior leaders, which exposure further accelerated my professional growth.
Tom is sociable and always happy to make use of his network for the benefit of his colleagues. He got me a top mentor from the senior leadership team who helped me expand my reach within the company and raise my profile (as well as my confidence). Tom is an agent of positive change, politically agile and likes to challenge the status-quo. His original thinking and good sense of humour make interactions with him a real pleasure.
When I have junior members of staff joining my team, I follow in Tom’s footsteps shaped by full trust and support!
I felt a bit stuck in my role and missed some challenge … Until Tom took me under his wing and believed that I had more potential then I was portraying. This turned out to be the right approach for me. An example? He let me perform the first demo of a new system and completed me seamlessly and invisibly where necessary. The second time went so much smoother already!
Tom took me out of my comfort zone: where I wanted a clear assignment beforehand, and I typically require a structured approach, which I then prepare down to the smallest details, in all his spontaneity he took away my ‘stepping stones’. At first I felt a bit lost and disappointed, but I learned to think and act openly, to see the big picture and to take proactive control. Picking up the phone more easily without clear agenda, organizing weekly calls, drawing up action lists, expressing clear expectations: he led by example.
At the same time, he continued to fully support me and to believe in me. He stuck his neck out, never left me alone and made me rise above myself. The best part was he did not try to change me, but built upon my potential: the Pygmalion effect at its best!
When we wanted to design and carry out a new market model with our members, Tom took up the gauntlet to let us look at that challenge with a different, creative view.
At first we were a bit skeptical about the new approach, but under Tom's expert guidance the day flew by. He took us out of our comfort zone of traditional consultation to gather as many ideas as possible and to translate that abundance into a new market model with our joint 'brain power'.
What could have been a boring day turned into an energetic, relaxed day with a good balance of humor and seriousness. The result? An extensive picture of our interests and a result supported by everyone. Thanks to Tom!