How teams can become effective and leaders transformational

EY alumnus Alexander Shitov speaks of the importance of teamwork and leadership qualities that a transformative leader should possess.

As today’s disruptive forces change how we live, work and connect with the people around us, it is also redefining the dynamics of teaming and leadership. In this transformative age, companies and people need transformative leaders to show them the way.

Alexander Shitov left EY in 2012 after a successful 11-year stint. Six years later, in a recent conversation with us, he says, “I believe that I am still with EY.” Six people in his team at Polyus, where Alexander is the Vice President for Control and Compliance, are from EY. This group, he says, was able to bring to Polyus all the competencies they gained at EY and deliver good results.

Of all the companies Alexander has worked for, EY has been the closest to his heart, both personally and professionally. He met his wife at EY. He also believes that his career was moulded and given direction during his stint in EY. “Most of the things which I currently do and deliver are based on the competencies that I gained from EY.”

“I am very proud to be part of the EY alumni. It's very important for me to keep networking with my ex-colleagues, and with EY partners and people. I'm always participating in EY events. My team members and I use the Academy of Business to have trainings in EY on different topics,” he says.

Alexander places significant emphasis on teamwork and leadership. He is also a forward in the Polyus hockey team that they formed to improve team spirit. The team plays in unofficial tournaments with other mining companies in Russia. “In our hockey team, we have people from different levels of the organization. And, when we are together on the ice, we forget about our positions.”

Three qualities that make a leader truly successful

1. Trust: “A successful leader should be able to rely on his or her team. Trust people with whom you work,” says Alexander. In an environment devoid of trust, people can’t be counted on to deliver quality work.
2. Quality: “Always keep in mind that you should deliver quality results.” Delivering quality work is the first and most inevitable step to build trust with people who consume your deliverables.
3. Continuous learning: “Always try to learn something new. Try to find some new information about your profession and what is around it.” Alexander calls it “on-the-job training on a permanent basis.” 

From EY, Alexander says, he learned how to deliver quality results on time, keep learning continuously, communicate well and work in a team in today’s disrupted world. He is also thankful to have worked with inspiring leaders. But one thing that stands out for Alexander is EY’s focus on ethics. 

“EY would never work with a client who is not doing ethical business,” he says. It’s a principle Alexander also lives by. “In EY, there is a phrase, ‘Quality in everything we do,’ but I think that it also goes with ethics.”