Lessons in leadership from Fiji’s COVID response with Bernadette Welch

W\hen you’re managing a crises, you need well-structured governance and communication framework in place. This will ensure all stakeholders are on the same page and working towards the same goal. Empowering team members with knowledge and delegating tasks is key. But we also need to be willing to take charge and get things sorted out when resources or support are needed.This week’s guest is Bernadette Welch, a retired public servant with a long career in Australia and Fiji. She coordinated Fiji's initial COVID response and organised the largest international meeting the country had ever hosted. She’s been the CEO 6,000-person organisation, and Permanent Secretary for Civil Service and Health in Fiji.Takeaways from Dan and PiaWell-structured governance and communications frameworks are essential when dealing with complex projects.When you’re clear about your purpose and setup a climate of safety, people find it easier to work together because they can see and identify the boundaries.“The discipline of the process creates freedom of choice.” – Solid structures allow for autonomy within individuals.While effective leaders take responsibility, it’s important to strike a balance between protecting your team from distractions, and removing some of their potential agency.LinksConnect with Burnadette via LinkedInLeave us a voice note