Being a people person and a communicator is at the core of Tyme Marama Gould's leadership ethos. Photo / Bevan Conley
Being a people person and a communicator is at the core of Tyme Marama Gould's leadership ethos. Photo / Bevan Conley
This week, the Chronicle is profiling a range of Whanganui leaders about what they do, what's important to them, and what leadership means. Today Logan Tutty speaks with the manager of The Citadel, Tyme Marama Gould.
Leadership isn't something Tyme Marama Gould has sought. Instead, leadership has found her.
A former student at Whanganui Girls' College, Gould filled numerous leadership roles at the school over her time including prefect and house captain.
"Most people look to me than I look to myself. I've sort of been in leadership roles my whole life from primary, intermediate, high school and in work life."
After finishing at Girls' College, Gould studied early childhood education at UCOL for a year.
"I really enjoyed it and loved learning but I didn't quite fall in love with it as much as I thought I was going to."
Now 24 years old, Gould recently became manager at The Citadel on Castlecliff's Rangiora St.
With three years' experience at the cafe and eatery, it felt natural to take on more responsibility and allow owners Malcolm Whitlock and Roxi Douglas to take a back seat.
"It was really nice to be recognised for everything I've been doing. I know the place in and out. It was a bit difficult to learn the new roles and I think I put a bit too much pressure on myself in the beginning. But we are settled in."
Tyme Marama Gould became manager of The Citadel in February this year. Photo / Supplied
Whatever passion Gould has found in life, whether that be in school, sport or work, she has always seemed to drift to the front and lead the way.
"I wouldn't choose myself as a leader, but I do get chosen. I think it is because I have an understanding on what needs to be done."
Gould thinks the way she connects with others and can help explain situations is one of the core reasons she has been in positions to lead others.
"I'm a people person, that's how I view myself. I like to help people. With work, if someone doesn't know what they are doing, I will be the first to help them to make them comfortable and feel good about what they are doing.
"There is nothing worse than not knowing what you are doing."
Breaking down a situation in to a way that everyone can understand is one of the key ways Gould leads.
"Whether that is something visual, or set up a scenario for them to understand. Just being a communicator and wanting to help people is my base."
While lending a hand comes naturally, she said it was important not to help too much and has found herself stepping back in certain situations to allow individuals to grow and learn.
"You can't learn if someone is doing it for you. Showing them, reinforce them and give them that space to learn.
"When I've learnt the most is in the deep end, not an uncomfortable deep end, but the deep end where I have to do this by myself."
Listening to what others have to say, no matter how big or small the issue, has been key to how Gould lives, which has only assisted her in being leader.
"I think it is important to feel heard. When a customer comes to order a coffee and you ask how their day is and they let everything out, it is nice to be that person for someone else.
"People want to know what's going on. They don't want to feel like they are just blindly following."
Having confidence in what you're saying and doing is key when others are looking at you for direction.
"Confidence, not just in yourself because you are leading a whole group of people, but confident in what you're doing is going to work.
"Kindness is also very good in leadership. It allows you to see different viewpoints."
Unsure what the future truly holds, Gould said she will continue to lean into her natural personality and help others however she can.
