Leadership is often seen as an innate quality, something that only a select few possess naturally. However, leadership is more of a skill set that can be developed over time with intention and effort.
Michelle Anne Chan, the Partner Success Group Head at Trends & Technologies, learned to have a leadership mindset at a young age, which helped mold her into a model of leadership that can be both inspiring and instructive for aspiring leaders.
“As a leader, you have to roll up your sleeves whenever you need to,” she firmly said during the Modern Tao Ke interview. This sentiment encapsulates the essence of hands-on leadership. She added, “You have to be ready sometimes to show your team how to get things done.” Leaders who actively participate in the work alongside their teams demonstrate commitment, humility, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve the organization’s goals.
Through her journey and principles, she outlines a clear framework—the ABCDE of Leadership—that is both actionable and profound. Here’s a closer look at how to be an effective leader.
ABCDE of Leadership
A is for Accountability
Michelle’s leadership journey began early in her family life. As the eldest sibling, she was responsible for ensuring her younger siblings were prepared for their lessons when their parents returned from work.
This foundational experience ingrained in her the importance of accountability. She said “Making sure that you’re accountable for your own actions and your own decisions”. Accountability, according to Michelle, is the bedrock of leadership. It means owning both successes and failures and fostering a culture where team members feel responsible for their contributions.
B is for Bold
Boldness in leadership involves making tough decisions under pressure. Michelle’s career is marked by her willingness to take risks and stand firm in her decisions, even in challenging environments.
Michelle emphasizes “Really having the courage to make tough decisions despite the pressure or the environment that you are in”. In other words, leaders should be bold and inspire their teams by demonstrating resilience and decisiveness, guiding them through uncertainty with confidence.
C is for Communication
Effective communication is crucial for leadership. Michelle learned early on to articulate her vision and objectives clearly, whether in school projects or extracurricular activities. She said, “Make sure that you are articulate with your vision, objective, or end goal”.
“Ensure that you communicate with what your team needs to achieve”, she added. Transparent communication aligns team efforts and ensures everyone is working towards the same goals, fostering unity and efficiency.
D is for Decisive
Decisiveness, as Michelle describes, involves making well-considered choices quickly and effectively. In her leadership role, she navigates through various options and makes calculated decisions.
“Being decisive and making sure that even though you’re presented with many options, you’ve calculated each one of them”, she explains. A decisive leader cuts through ambiguity, providing clear direction and reducing uncertainty within the team.
E is for Empathy 
Empathy is perhaps the most human aspect of leadership. Michelle’s approach involves actively listening to her team and understanding their challenges. She notes “Have active listening skills with your teams to understand what you’re going through to ensure that all of you move towards the same direction”. Having empathy helps leaders build trust and fosters a supportive environment where team members feel valued and understood.
Always Go Out of Your Way!
By embracing accountability, boldness, communication, decisiveness, and empathy, leaders can inspire their teams and drive meaningful progress. Michelle’s journey reminds us that true leadership is not just about achieving goals but also about growing together with your team through every challenge.
Catch the exclusive interview with Michelle Anne Chan, Partner Success Group Head of Trends & Technologies!