What are effective leaders made of? And how can you overcome the challenges of being a leader? In our exclusive interview, David Lim, leader of the first Singapore Everest Expedition, lifts the lid on himself and shares his top tips for leaders in the aviation industry.
What do you see as the major disruptors in the world today?
I see the inability of people and organisations to adapt quickly to new processes and technologies as a major disruptor of businesses and industries, not so much the new technology itself.
What is the most challenging aspect of leadership?
Winning and retaining buy-in with a diverse team; and then making them perform to achieve their goals.
What are the common misconceptions with effective leadership?
One of the main ones is that everybody needs to like each other. Another is that teamwork is a group skill, when teamwork is in fact an individual skill. We have a shared vision and goal; we break down the task to get down to the goal. Everybody does the task to the expected level and the goal is achieved. Everybody is accountable for their own result. It may seem counter-intuitive, but teamwork relies on the individual.
What are your top tips for the airport industry?
Managing the risks or mountaineering is similar to airports - major disasters are often caused by human error. For leaders in the industry, my top three tips would be: 1) create an airport workforce culture where every single employee feels accountable for the consequences of their job; and feel the effects of their performance on a regular basis, 2) develop a cohort of leaders who can first lead themselves before leading other - it makes for a much less exhausting operational experience; and 3) when negative incidents happen, focus on desired outcomes first, with blame a long way down the list of other things that need to be done to redress the mistake.
What keeps you awake at night?
Not really but the night before a major summit push, my mind is always busy – walking through the entire route mentally, the risks to be encountered and the timing of the entire climb.
Our 18 questions for the adventurer:
What's the last hobby that you took up?
Skiing. It’s very refreshing rediscovering it. I am in a position where I am no longer the veteran mountaineer, I’m going back to basics and on a new journey. I last skied 25 years ago then stopped. It’s a steep learning curve but I would encourage everybody to do the same.
What can't you live without?
I can’t live without a challenge.
Most memorable place?
Remote glaciers in Tian Shan mountains.
Who's your hero?
My father, he's the one that has introduced me to outdoors sport.
Greatest goal?
My greatest is winning my life back after being paralysed.
What was your lowest moment?
Definitely going into hospital 20 years ago, it was very scary and traumatic.
What 3 items would you take on a desert island?
solar powered radio, large multi-tool and a toothbrush.
Plane or train?
Plane.
One word to describe yourself?
Adventurous.
Planner or spontaneous?
Planner.
Feelings or logic?
Logic.
What did you learn new in the last week?
Finding a way to cook the perfect BBQ.
Book that had a big influence on your life?
The Shining Mountain by Peter Boardman.
What would your superpower be?
Ability to see the future.
What are you most proud of?
Leading the first mount Everest expedition from Singapore.
I would never...
Drink scotch with water!
Favourite adventure?
Climbing trips.
Favourite thing about travelling?
My favourite thing about travelling is seeing your new horizons and meeting new people.
David Lim will be joining us at GAD Asia in Singapore this year. Find out more about David’s tips on leadership and how it can shape the airport industry at his session: Leadership in difficult times and lessons for the airport industry. See you in Singapore this September.