Dr Gurchran Singh

Co-founder and group president

Cherie Hearts Group International

What is the best leadership style a leader should adopt?

Managing a team of close to 50 personnel with diverse beliefs and mindsets, it will not do to simply lead a group of followers. Instead, I prefer to win over the hearts of my team in terms of respect, trust and confidence. The aim is for each and every one of them to have a sense of belonging in the organisation. Believe strongly in what they can do for the organisation, as well as for themselves as a team.

What would make an employee stand out against his peers?

Adaptability is the key factor in making a staff stand out. A good employee should not stay put in the “comfort zone” for too long. Also, having a positive mindset is the best stepping stone to excel and reach any higher ground of achievement. Other competencies can always be gained through training.

How do you keep a lookout for employee disengagement?

In my experience, some of the general signs to detect staff disengagement include the lack of interest in company matters, reluctance to participate in company events and activities and preferring to “sit on the sidelines”, increased negativity, increased absenteeism and general tardiness or sloppiness in day-to-day tasks.

Can you share an example where you, as a leader, had to make a very tough decision that had an impact on your employees?

Earlier this year, I initiated the setting up of a new department Strategic Alliance Task Force (SATF). This team was to consist of employees selected from the various departments. The objective was to create a more streamlined system of HQ’s support in individual childcare centres’ setup and operations.

This decision was met with some resistance as the idea of a multi-task team hadn’t quite settled with some of my staff. However, I believed strongly in it as it made great operational sense and had immense potential in the professional development of my people. I am glad that the staff selected were very positive about it.

One aspect HR can improve and add value to the business is.. to remove the boundaries for potential talent to come forth with innovative ideas. Every employee in the organisation should be given an equal opportunity to showcase their potential. Furthermore, the organisation should have room for their employees’ mistakes or lapses, which is part of their valuable learning curve.

Employees are like.. your family members whom you need to constantly talk and listen to, show respect, loyalty, care and concern for each other’s lives.