Flexibility, creativity, and willingness to take risks are three important characteristics of a successful leader. Leaders must influence others to do new things and embrace each other.
According to Irwan Dewanto, the HR Vice President of TACO, a national interior products company, leadership continues to develop. Traditional structures are being replaced with entrepreneurial leadership acting as a liaison and collaborator.
“A good leader is a facilitator,” said Irwan. “He has to be able to put someone at the right time, approach, and position. “He must build an economically sustainable business without sacrificing social values, including human resources.”
Irwan stressed the significance of entrepreneurial leadership within organizations, as it promotes innovation, adaptability, and a growth-oriented mindset. He consistently advises his employees not to fear taking action due to concerns about making mistakes. Making mistakes is a normal part of the process; what truly matters is how one interprets and learns from those mistakes.
Irwan shared this perspective on leadership during a guest lecture at the Auditorium of SBM ITB, which both masters and undergraduate students attended on Friday, October 20th. Irwan drew from his experiences working at PT Tangkas Cipta Optimal (TACO). This company supplies high-pressure laminates (HPL), flooring, hardware, and adhesives for interiors and rooms.
During the lecture, Irwan introduced an entrepreneurial way of thinking aimed at developing the essential skills and mindset required for launching new businesses and effecting changes within established companies, leading teams, and making a social impact.
According to Irwan, a leader must also be adept at harnessing the potential of their employees by establishing cross-departmental teams and promoting collaboration. This strategy was employed during TACO’s Innovation Award to enhance employee engagement through cross-team collaborative initiatives. As a result, approximately 350 staff members participated in the innovation competition, resulting in the submission of 71 proposals.
“TACO managed to double its profits in five years. When the pandemic hit, we did not lay off a single worker. “In contrast, we are building a new factory in 2021, when most business actors are struggling to maintain their profits,” said Irwan.
Currently, TACO has more than four warehouses on other islands to reduce delivery waiting times by 80% and employs 1,319 employees, 95% of whom are millennials and Gen Z, with 50% of level C being millennials.