{"id":35679,"date":"2025-09-22T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/?p=35679"},"modified":"2025-11-12T10:54:26","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T10:54:26","slug":"leadership-in-action-a-conversation-with-stewart-cross","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/news\/leadership-in-action-a-conversation-with-stewart-cross\/","title":{"rendered":"Leadership in Action: Our Conversation with Stewart Cross\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"    <section \n        id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da62980\" \n        class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n        style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\"\n    >\n        <h3><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW89368541 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW89368541 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 3\">From Forklifts to Facilities: A Career Built on Progression<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW89368541 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:false,&quot;134245529&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h5><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW46715368 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW46715368 BCX0\">Q: Stewart, tell us a bit about your journey. What led you here?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW46715368 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stewart Cross:<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Like many people in FM, I didn\u2019t set out to build a career in it. I started as a forklift driver and wanted to move into an office environment. This led to an opportunity as an administrator in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/ministry-of-defence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ministry of Defence<\/a>\u2019s security department.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I made improvements where I could and left my mark. The team there recognised that I had the potential to move into other areas, and that was my first real step into <a href=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/services\/facilities-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">facilities management<\/a>. I joined Comax, which Amey later bought. From there, I worked my way through performance analyst roles into more senior positions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Later, I supported the merger of two FM contracts at Centrica and Electricity Direct, and I took on an area manager role at Amey. After a few years, I moved on to Interserve, where I had to mobilise a contract across 28 government buildings in just three months \u2013 including 10 Downing Street and the Cabinet Office. That was intense. I was in the office by 6am and rarely left before 7pm.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It meant I missed moments at home, particularly with my children at a young age. But I saw it as an investment in the future \u2014 building something meaningful, not just for my career but for the impact I could have in the long term.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da629ae\" class=\"grid gap-10 lg:gap-4 grid-cols-1  lg:grid-cols-2 \">\n                    <div class=\"grid gap-4\">\n                <picture class=\"h-[400px]\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/b15bf306-01a2-468e-9555-364e6670c53d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/768x768\/\" media=\"(max-width: 640px)\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/b15bf306-01a2-468e-9555-364e6670c53d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/b15bf306-01a2-468e-9555-364e6670c53d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover object-center rounded-3xl\" alt=\"A man in a dark suit, white shirt, and red tie stands smiling in an office hallway with white cabinets and glass walls in the background. He wears a lanyard and has short, neatly styled hair.\">\n                <\/picture>\n\n                                    <div class=\"prose text-ocs-gray-nav text-sm\">\n                        <p>Operations Delivery Director, Public Sector and Ministry of Justice, OCS Group<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"grid gap-4\">\n                <picture class=\"h-[400px]\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/554e5105-3827-414e-a6f6-16f21fc99a7e\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/768x768\/\" media=\"(max-width: 640px)\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/554e5105-3827-414e-a6f6-16f21fc99a7e\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/554e5105-3827-414e-a6f6-16f21fc99a7e\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover object-center rounded-3xl\" alt=\"\">\n                <\/picture>\n\n                            <\/div>\n            <\/section>\n\n\n    <section \n        id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da629c7\" \n        class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n        style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\"\n    >\n        <h3>Learning the True Nature of Leadership<\/h3>\n<h5>Q: What did you learn about leadership through that experience?<\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stewart:<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">That contract taught me what it really takes to lead. You can\u2019t succeed through direction alone \u2013 you\u2019ve got to build a team that\u2019s engaged, that understands the purpose behind the work. I began focusing more on coaching and development, ensuring that people felt valued.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We looked at how to bring ideas from the frontline into decision-making. That meant creating space for people to contribute, not just deliver their work. The result was a highly engaged, high-performing team \u2013 one that was proud of what we were achieving.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section \n        id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da629e7\" \n        class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n        style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\"\n    >\n        <h3>A New Chapter at OCS and the MoJ Contract<\/h3>\n<h5>Q: What drew you to OCS and the Ministry of Justice contract?<\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stewart:<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">I joined OCS in 2018 when we won the MoJ contract. It was a complete TUPE transfer with all the complexity that brings. We had to act quickly to reset expectations, define our strategy and start improving delivery.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the first things we did was remove chemicals from <a href=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/services\/commercial-cleaning-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cleaning<\/a> operations. We replaced them with a water-based system, backed by scientific testing, which reduces plastic use, deliveries, and overall environmental impact. It was a practical change that made a real difference.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We also knew the Ministry of Justice valued innovation. That meant our performance needed to be consistent from day one \u2013 and it was.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section x-data=\"video\" id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da629f9\" class=\"grid gap-4\">\n                    <picture>\n                <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/46a4b89e-a0af-4be8-8b68-ae55abb3ef84\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/768x768\/\" media=\"(max-width: 640px)\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/46a4b89e-a0af-4be8-8b68-ae55abb3ef84\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/46a4b89e-a0af-4be8-8b68-ae55abb3ef84\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover object-center rounded-3xl\" alt=\"A cityscape of London featuring the London Eye, the Shard, and Westminster Abbey under a cloudy sky, with a mix of historic and modern buildings visible in the foreground.\">\n            <\/picture>\n                    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section \n        id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da62a14\" \n        class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n        style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\"\n    >\n        <h3>Partnership, Communication and Trust<\/h3>\n<h5>Q: How have you built long-term relationships with public sector customers?<\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stewart:<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">You build relationships through consistent delivery, open communication and mutual respect. The MoJ had good relationships with previous providers, so we had to earn that trust from the beginning.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019ve focused on alignment, transparency and shared planning. We hold annual collaboration days to look at joint strategies and discuss what we can do better. The same thinking we used on contracts with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/department-for-education\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department for Education<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/department-for-business-and-trade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department for Business and Trade<\/a> \u2013 it\u2019s about using what works and evolving it together.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And we\u2019ve seen the outcomes: we\u2019ve achieved perfect scores in customer engagement surveys. That doesn\u2019t happen by accident \u2013 it comes from day-in, day-out partnership and alignment between teams.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section \n        id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da62a37\" \n        class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n        style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\"\n    >\n        <h3>Values, Honesty and Leading by Example<\/h3>\n<h5>Q: What are the values that drive you?<\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stewart:<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Honesty and integrity. I thrive on doing the best I can every day \u2013 and that\u2019s what I expect from the team. But I don\u2019t expect it without giving something of myself. You can\u2019t lead from a distance. You\u2019ve got to be involved.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We run colleague forums where people from across the contract can raise concerns, share ideas or suggest improvements. Everything is documented, and each point is followed up with actions that deliver a feedback loop.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019re a unionised contract, and in the early days, that brought challenges. But through consistent behaviour \u2013 treating colleagues with respect and giving them a genuine voice \u2013 we\u2019ve built trust. We also run informal idea boards and polls, recognising colleagues whose input helps improve how we work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That\u2019s the foundation of our culture \u2013 a place where people are heard and their contributions acted on.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section \n        id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da62a56\" \n        class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n        style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\"\n    >\n        <h3>Meeting Change with Proactivity<\/h3>\n<h5>Q: How does your leadership support government customers through ongoing change?<\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stewart:<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">It comes back to collaboration and open dialogue. We don\u2019t just respond to what government customers ask \u2013 we take time to understand what\u2019s driving their priorities and challenges. This entails regular meetings, structured reviews, and ongoing two-way communication with senior stakeholders.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Take the recent pressures around prison releases and the demand for approved premises. The Ministry of Justice had to move quickly. Because we\u2019d already talked through their challenges and understood what was coming, we were able to act ahead of the curve. We put plans in place before problems materialised.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That\u2019s what partnership should look like \u2013 alignment before escalation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section \n        id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da62a76\" \n        class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n        style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\"\n    >\n        <h3>Adapting and Growing as a Leader<\/h3>\n<h5>Q: How has your leadership style evolved?<\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stewart:<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Early on, you think it\u2019s about progression \u2013 getting to the top. But you quickly realise it\u2019s about people. You need emotional intelligence, you need to listen, and you need to understand what motivates others.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019ve always tried to stay open to learning. I\u2019m doing a Level 7 master\u2019s in strategic leadership now. Before that, I completed a degree via <a href=\"https:\/\/guildford.activatelearning.ac.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guildford College<\/a> and was nominated for an Adult Learners Award. I\u2019ve always believed in continual development \u2013 not just for myself, but for those around me.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019ve put every supervisor and manager on our Ministry of Justice contract through mental health training. As a result, our mental health absence rate is among the lowest in the company. That\u2019s not luck \u2013 that\u2019s awareness and support in action.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da62a89\" class=\"grid gap-10 lg:gap-4 grid-cols-1  lg:grid-cols-2 \">\n                    <div class=\"grid gap-4\">\n                <picture class=\"h-[400px]\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/12593bdc-922f-44ae-88c3-bed1874a3e6d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/768x768\/\" media=\"(max-width: 640px)\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/12593bdc-922f-44ae-88c3-bed1874a3e6d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/12593bdc-922f-44ae-88c3-bed1874a3e6d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover object-center rounded-3xl\" alt=\"Four people gather around a table covered with papers and a laptop, engaged in discussion. The focus is on a woman holding a pen, while three others stand slightly out of focus in the background.\">\n                <\/picture>\n\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"grid gap-4\">\n                <picture class=\"h-[400px]\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/d4af43c3-54c8-440a-a39f-d91362301bc4\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/768x768\/\" media=\"(max-width: 640px)\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/d4af43c3-54c8-440a-a39f-d91362301bc4\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/d4af43c3-54c8-440a-a39f-d91362301bc4\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover object-center rounded-3xl\" alt=\"A Union Jack flag hangs from a pole on the exterior of a curved, white stone building with many windows and classical architectural details.\">\n                <\/picture>\n\n                            <\/div>\n            <\/section>\n\n\n    <section \n        id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da62aa4\" \n        class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n        style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\"\n    >\n        <h3><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW79129006 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW79129006 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 3\">The Power of Recognition<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW79129006 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:false,&quot;134245529&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h5>Q: What role do everyday actions play in leadership?<\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stewart:<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">They\u2019re essential. I make a point of being present \u2013 visiting sites, meeting colleagues, taking the time to understand what\u2019s happening day to day.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If I\u2019m at Petty France, I\u2019ll shake hands with every colleague I pass. Not because it\u2019s a gesture \u2013 but because it reflects the reality that everyone plays a part. Colleagues on the ground are just as crucial to OCS as anyone else in the organisation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When I hear something positive, I act on it \u2013 whether that\u2019s an email or a personal visit. Taking time to say thank you is never wasted. It\u2019s what keeps people connected to the bigger picture.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section \n        id=\"block_acf-block-68cd70da62c8e\" \n        class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n        style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\"\n    >\n        <h3><span class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW248333536 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248333536 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 3\">Learning from Others<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW248333536 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:false,&quot;134245529&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:280,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h5>Q: Have there been leaders you\u2019ve learned from over your career?<\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stewart:<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Absolutely. Peter Tierney, my line manager, has taught me a considerable amount about strategic thinking. He\u2019s clear, thoughtful and makes you work through problems. He\u2019s been a great mentor.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bob Taylor has had a significant impact on me, too. He values directness and clarity \u2013 but more importantly, he really sees people. When something good happens, he\u2019s the first to recognise it, the first to take time with people. That\u2019s influenced how I lead.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019ve worked with good leaders and average ones. OCS stands out for me because of the quality of leadership here \u2013 it\u2019s shaped who I am and how I lead now.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5>Q: Stewart, you\u2019ve shared your experience of good leaders \u2013 what would you hope your teams said about you and your leadership style?<\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stewart:<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019d like them to say I\u2019m dynamic \u2013 someone who helps people think clearly, solve problems, and get to the right outcome. Someone they can go to when things are tough and trust they\u2019ll be listened to and supported.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That\u2019s what leadership is, not about titles, but about making decisions with people and for people.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n    <\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From forklift driver to director, Stewart Cross shares his journey, leadership lessons and building trust in facilities management.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":10000023585,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54,272],"tags":[53,263],"country":[267],"class_list":["post-35679","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-our-people","category-public-sector","tag-our-people","tag-public-sector","country-uk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - 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