Courage Is Essential

Reflecting on the four decades since he founded Ho & Partners architects, engineers & development consultants, CEO Bosco Ho explains why confidence, passion and bravery are crucial for any good leader.

- Saskia Tillers

According to Bosco Ho, passion has been the essential ingredient in achieving success in every area of his life – as a business owner, a professional and a leader. “I think the number one thing needed to be a leader – apart from the fact that you must have a good brain, have foresight, charisma and be hardworking – is that you’ve got to have passion for the work that you do, and a passion to look after your staff,” he tells The CEO Magazine.

“You’ve got to look after all of them because as a leader, you can’t just get information about your company through your seniors. That’s really dangerous because sometimes they’re not aware of what’s happening on the floor. You also need to understand the junior staff– their aspirations, dreams and problems.”

In particular, Bosco believes that leaders will only show their true colours and capabilities when faced with adversity – and sink or float as a result. “In times of crisis, your skill as a leader is tested – you have to not only be able to do your job, but also instil confidence in your staff,” he insists. “Show them that you have the confidence to get through a crisis, and that you’ll rise again as a company. Courage is essential.”

“ I’VE ALWAYS WANTED OUR FIRM TO HAVE A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO WHAT WE DO, SO THAT WE CAN PROGRESS AND WORK MORE CREATIVELY AND EFFECTIVELY.”

Indeed, it’s not surprising that Bosco has many pearls of wisdom to offer, given that he’s honed his skills over an impressive career spanning four decades, after founding Ho & Partners Architects, Engineers & Development Consultants (hpa) in Hong Kong in 1980.