The third part of the series of courses for “Young Leaders” was held in Calvi, France from 27-31 October 2024 organised by CFTC (Confédération Française des Travailleurs Chrétiens (French Confederation of Christian Workers)), with the support of EZA and funded by the European Union. 38 representatives of workers’ organisations from Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Romania participated in the course.
Social relations within the company, in the respective sector, at a national and European level are formed by teams that represent workers and employers. The management of the teams and decision-making is carried out by individuals who lead both the members and the personnel.
Our work was to highlight the role of leadership in all its dimensions using specific examples presented by responsible actors in different organisations to enable young leaders to integrate it into their practice as leaders.
Know-how and soft skills were presented in the context of the discussions and relationships which every leader has, and will have, with their teams and beyond. The smooth functioning of workers' organisations is one of the guarantors of a European structure that respects democracy and constructive social relations that also favour social dialogue.
Experts and practitioners from a range of professional and geographical areas presented the various aspects of leadership practices based on their actual leadership experience, first in the form of a lecture and then in dialogue with the participants.
The following themes were explored:
- ‘What is a leader?’ by Joseph Thouvenel, Vice-President of EZA.
- ‘How can we successfully integrate people with different cultural backgrounds and experiences into a single working community? The example of the Foreign Legion’ by Lieutenant General Bouquin.
- ‘A company manager’s view of the challenges of social law’ by Michel SAMSONOFF, President of ADIMECO.
- ‘Ecological damage, our responsibility?’ by Joseph-Marie LEVANTI, Director of Legal Affairs at the Corsican Environmental Protection Agency.
- ‘Discussion on the conception of the role of the person in charge, in particular the union leader’ and a discussion between the participants.
- ‘What are the virtues of leadership?’ by Chantal DELSOL, philosopher, member of the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences.
- ‘The role of the political leader and the function of intermediary bodies, particularly trade unions and employers' associations, in the formulation of public policy’ by Charles Million, former Minister of Defence, founder of the Thomas More Institute.
- ‘How to manage pressure between subordinates and superiors’ by Pierre des Rieux, Engineer, Head of Large Equipment Projects at SPIE - CITYNETWORKS.
‘The greatest difficulties in my leadership role and how to overcome them’ by Maria Reina MARTIN, President of FIDESTRA Portugal, Bogdan HOSSU, President of CARTEL ALFA Romania, Silviu ISPAS, President of IFES Romania.
‘How to take local responsibility’ by Dominique ANDREI, Mayor of Cateri.
‘The role of EZA in the structure of Europe’ by Norbert KLEIN, EZA Policy Officer for Education and Training and Joseph THOUVENEL,Vice-President of EZA.
‘The role of the boss’ by Lieutenant General Bruno DARY.
Results of the seminar
It became clear that the role of the leader, whether at the top of an organisation or as a senior or subordinate manager of an organisation, is essential to ensure excellent team cohesion and efficiency of the structure or organisation.
The experience of the French Foreign Legion demonstrated that, within a few months, people with different backgrounds, cultures, languages and experiences could form a group with strong cohesion and proven professionalism.
One of the main success factors is the ability to build trust between superiors and subordinates.
The person in charge must possess genuine expertise, whether in large or small companies, unions or associations. A solid technical knowledge of the leader’s area of expertise is a key factor in the recognition gained from subordinates. But the boss must also have social skills: “The boss is a mediator of calm and an absorber of tension and pressure.”
Interpersonal relationships are an essential part of demonstrating responsibility. We must never forget that workers are social beings with a life outside of the work collective, family, friends, commitments to various clubs, etc.
Decisions
Everyone in their area of responsibility must be aware that, although they have to make decisions, they can't know everything and that their employees, in particular their teams, have knowledge and expertise that contribute to the strength and efficiency of the collective.
The decision-making process must be clearly defined both at team level and in the context of European union-wide actions, to ensure that all are aware of their area of responsibility, while also respecting the principle of hierarchy and rank. This aspect is all the more important as people with different cultures have to work together.
The person in charge must share successes and not take exclusive credit for them; they must also accept responsibility for failures. The non-acceptance of failure is destructive for the group and leads to a loss of trust.
A sense of hierarchy is essential in team leadership. Everyone must be capable of performing the tasks they were recruited to do and enjoy the trust of the hierarchy. Lack of recognition, lack of appreciation and mistrust destroy team spirit and the inventiveness and initiative of individuals.
Consultation must always play a major role, as it allows good ideas to emerge and encourages everyone to express their opinion.
Ultimately, you must always know how to express a little love and respect that every person deserves.
Conclusions
All participants agreed that they should gain a better understanding of the true meaning of the word responsibility and the rights and duties of those who must exercise it.
The effectiveness of an inclusive and democratic European structure depends on decision-makers at all levels, trade unions, businesses, elected representatives and governments being aware that they serve Europeans and that the exercise of their responsibilities is one of the important elements for the credibility of the European identity.