Questions of Leadership

In this podette, we dive into Questions of Leadership — exploring how power, integrity, and example shape safer, more respectful and inclusive workplaces. Leadership, as our host Rosie Wheen reminds us, is “absolutely central” to culture change. It’s the keystone of creating environments that live up to the vision of Respect at Work that we share across Australia.We hear from three powerful voices on what leadership looks like in action:Julia Banks, author, lawyer and leadership consultant, reframes power as both positional and personal. She challenges us to recognise and use that personal power more consciously, especially when internalised stereotypes might hold us back.Dr Anna Cody, Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, speaks to the responsibility of positional power and Professor Michael Flood, leading researcher on men, masculinities and gender, reminds us that: He calls on leaders to “walk  the walk” — not just endorse change, but embody it.This Podette invites reflection and dialogue and closes with a reflection from Rosie and her mentor, Chris Kotur: “What does better look like for you and your leadership?” We invite you to take these questions of leadership into your workplace and have an honest team conversation about leadership, power, and accountability.🗣️ Use this Podette in Your Workplace Discussion 1. Set the Scene (5 minutes)Establish ground rules: confidentiality, curiosity, and respectful listening.Link this conversation to your organisation’s purpose and values. Acknowledge the topic may be challenging; share internal and external support contacts (e.g. 1800RESPECT).Set your intention for example, “Let’s have a team conversation about leadership, power, and accountability”2. Listen Together (10 minutes)Play the podette as a group.Encourage team members to note a quote or reflection that resonated with them.3. Open Reflection (15 minutes)Choose 2–3 prompts for discussion:What stood out most about how Julia, Anna, or Michael described leadership?How do you understand and think about the difference between positional and personal power?Where do you see your own “leadership shadow”? What do your words, actions, and priorities say to others?How can we ensure our leadership is visible, genuine, and consistent?What does “walking the walk” look like for us in our everyday work?4. Action Steps (10 minutes)Ask: “What’s one small step we can take to lead with integrity, visibility and respect?”Capture ideas (e.g. regular leader check-ins, transparent measurement of progress, modelling respectful behaviour).Agree on one concrete action and plan to revisit it.5. Close (5 minutes)Thank everyone for their reflection, courage and honesty.Acknowledge that leadership is a journey of practice, not perfection.Remind again: support is available via 1800Respect (1800 737 732).Great resources to share with your teamsDiversity Council Australia – Inclusive Leadership Model https://www.dca.org.au/resources/di-planning/inclusive-leadershipChampions of Change – The Leadership Shadow & https://championsofchangecoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Leadership-Shadow-2023.pdfLearn more about Professor Michael Flood’s work:  http://www.xyonline.net/category/authors/michael-floodPower Play by Julia BanksBreaking the Boss Bias, Catherine FoxNot in My Workplace episodesIdentifying and using your Personal Power in the workplace Julia Banks | She/Her | Author, Leadership consultant, Keynote speaker, Lawyer, Former Federal MPEngaging men in prevention and as alliesProfessor Michael Flood | He/Him | Internationally recognised researcher on men, masculinities, and gender, and an advocate and educator, based at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia.Breaking the Barriers: Gender Equality and LeadershipCatherine Fox| Author, Journalist, Gender Equality AdvocateLeading With CourageDr Anna Cody | She/Her | Sex Discrimination Commissioner