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“Allow yourself to float and experiment”

Tue 06 July 2010

, Leap, LEAP

We’re continuing the World Café debate at the LEAP Energy event online, and ask: how far are you in self-leadership and in your leadership journey? Corrine Petrus, senior manager with Getronics: “I see what people can handle first.”

Corrine Petrus has worked in management for nine years and has been a senior manager with Getronics for nearly four years. She believes that even when you find life's forces working against you it is possible, through hard work and vision, to take control and steer your own future. "You have to allow yourself to float and experiment.  That's when I'm at my best, I let loose and go with the flow. That's when I can inspire and teach others."

‘Admit you’re wrong’
When Corrine started in management she admits that she at times had to prove that she was the boss. Now she is more open to other people's ideas and willing to change her mind when needed.  "Sometimes," she says, "you have to be able to admit that you are wrong."

Self-confidence

The ability to step back and view things from a distance and only step in where needed has come through experience and the development of self-confidence. Things started to really change for Corrine two years ago when she decided to see a leadership coach. This helped her to lift her own self-imposed restrictions. Now she coaches and mentors people in her company.

Direct

Corrine believes that in leadership, taking a direct approach is best even if she sometimes comes across as a little intimidating. "I see what people can handle first, what kind of people they are. Then I slowly drop a little bomb, so to speak, and see what happens. What matters most is that I treat people with respect, because we all have individual differences."

Leadership Journey

So what of the future for Corrine? She believes that she's three quarters through her leadership journey. It is Corrine's pursuit of new ideas that motivates her - the same motivation that she hopes to continue to instill in others. "When I learn something new it gives me a new mindset. I want to be surprised and inspired by life. That is what keeps me fresh."