Ambition and Direction: Leading a Transformation Journey with George Theo, TasWater

In today’s world, change is constant, and leading through transformation requires a keen understanding of both ambition and direction. In our recent conversation with George Theo, the Chief Executive of TasWater, we explored these themes in depth. This blog post encapsulates key insights shared in our podcast, “Exec Exchange,” where leaders from the water sector share stories to inspire and educate their peers globally.

Introduction

George Theo has over 30 years of experience in the water industry and has been at the helm of TasWater for over four years. Under his leadership, TasWater has embarked on a transformative journey, striving to become a leading, high-performance organization. In this edition of the podcast and through our detailed discussion, George shared his vision, challenges, and the bold steps TasWater is taking to achieve breakthrough performance.

Starting the Journey

The first step in any transformational journey is acknowledging the challenges and being upfront about the current state of affairs. TasWater faced significant challenges with 91% of its sewerage treatment plants being non-compliant. Recognizing decades of underinvestment, George highlighted the need for open communication with customers about the challenges and ambitious plans to overcome them.

Building the Right Team

Transformation is not solely about identifying problems; it involves aligning a team around a shared vision. George emphasized the importance of having the right team and ensuring alignment towards common goals. Every member of TasWater is encouraged to pull in the same direction, recognizing the problems to solve and collaboratively finding solutions.

Inculcating a Culture of Accountability and Learning

A key aspect of leadership at TasWater involves embracing vulnerability and turning criticism into an opportunity for learning. Mistakes are viewed as powerful learning tools rather than failures. George’s approach fosters an environment where mistakes are quickly recognized and corrected, with a focus on continuous improvement rather than attribution of blame.

Fostering Collaboration and Innovation

Innovation is at the heart of TasWater’s strategy to achieve breakthrough performance. Collaborative problem-solving across departments ensures issues are not addressed in isolation. George shared success stories where such collaboration led to significant reductions in customer complaints through innovative approaches to problem-solving.

Defining Breakthrough Performance

Breakthrough performance involves setting ambitious, stretch targets and evaluating success beyond mere chance. It’s about leveraging teamwork to consistently improve performance and exceed expectations. TasWater’s efforts to halve water quality and odor complaints exemplify the power of collaborative innovation.

Advice for New Leaders

For those new to the water sector or similar industries, George’s advice is simple but profound: stand for something. Clearly articulate your purpose, align your organization around it, and stay true to your principles despite challenges. The key is focusing on delivering better outcomes for customers and environments.

Conclusion

In closing, George Theo’s leadership at TasWater stands as a testament to the power of ambitious vision coupled with a strong, aligned team. It highlights the need for clarity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to service excellence in navigating and leading transformative journeys. As we conclude our three-part podcast series on TasWater, we hope these insights inspire leaders everywhere to ask questions, share knowledge, and remain resilient in the pursuit of excellence.