17 Apr The Elemental Edge: Project Leadership for the Now and Next

What do the Periodic Table and Project Leadership have in common? As it turns out—more than you’d expect.

At our latest Saturday Session, engineer and seasoned project professional Kyle Loff took us into a leadership lab like no other. With a unique blend of science, storytelling, and sharp insight, Kyle broke down the elements of successful project delivery and reassembled them for the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world we face today.

Leadership: A Matter of Chemistry?

This session was a deep dive into the Periodic Table of Project Manager Competencies—a science-backed framework that reimagines modern leadership through the lens of chemistry. Kyle, a Chemical Engineer turned Project Leader, brought over a decade of experience managing complex programmes across Mining, Oil & Gas, Defence, and the Public Sector. As the Head of Project & Programme Support for the City of Cape Town, a Board Member of IPMA-SA, and a university lecturer, he’s no stranger to the alchemy of leadership.

The result? An energising morning packed with insight, interaction, and a few molecular surprises.

Key Takeaways: The Elements of Leadership

1. Leadership Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

The session sparked lively debate and plenty of ‘aha!’ moments. We challenged our assumptions about what leadership really means and acknowledged that “success” in leadership is nuanced, messy, and often uncomfortable to define. From Kim Jong-un (a leader, albeit a terrifying one) to Simon Sinek (less terrifying, more TED Talk-y), we were reminded that leadership comes in many forms—and that sometimes, the difference is just a matter of PR.

2. The Power of Followership

One of the most provocative discussions centered on followership. Many so-called great leaders might not actually be great but instead benefit from the ability to garner exceptionally strong followership. Are we admiring the leader, or the loyalty and energy of those behind them? This distinction challenges the way we evaluate leadership altogether and encourages us to look beyond the figurehead to the collective force that drives success.

3. Adaptability and Emotional Intelligence

Kyle’s framework highlighted how adaptable thinking and emotional intelligence are essential in navigating shifting stakeholder landscapes. Different situations call for different leadership styles, and knowing when to dial up (or down) your approach is critical. Flexibility is key, though we don’t recommend cranking the Kim Jong-un nozzle to full unless you’re ruling a dictatorship (which, hopefully, you’re not).

4. The Importance of Self-Leadership

A big theme was the importance of self-leadership—the stuff behind the scenes. We talked about values, vision, and mission, and how skipping that foundational work can be risky. Especially for young people eager to lead in the spotlight without first figuring out who they are and what they stand for. Leadership, we learnt, is as much about leading yourself as it is about leading others.

5. Competence-Based Leadership and Team Empowerment

The session also explored the catalytic power of competence-based leadership and the real-world applications of value-driven delivery and team empowerment. By focusing on the right elements—skills, mindset, and a willingness to experiment—leaders can create environments where teams thrive and projects succeed.

Actionables: Building Your Own Leadership Formula

• Reflect on your values and vision. Before stepping into the spotlight, take time to define what you stand for.
• Assess your adaptability. Practice shifting your leadership style to fit the needs of your team and the situation.
• Cultivate emotional intelligence. Pay attention to the dynamics of your team and stakeholders, and respond with empathy.
• Focus on followership. Recognise and nurture the collective energy that drives your projects forward.
• Commit to continuous learning. Leadership is an evolving formula—keep experimenting and refining your approach.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Saturday Session reminded us that leadership is more art than science. But with the right elements in place, the formula gets a whole lot clearer. Whether you’re leading a project, a team, or just yourself, remember: the best leaders are those who never stop learning, adapting, and empowering others.

Ready to discover your own Elemental Edge? Subscribe to our blog post and get notified about our next Saturday Session. Connect with fellow leaders, and keep experimenting with your leadership formula.

Meet Our Expert: Kyle Loff

For more information, please get in touch with the Afro Ant Events Team:

events@afroant.com
021 461 1369