Malta Business Review – A New Generation Of Leadership.

There’s a new hype about ‘the best places to work’ with places like Google, Virgin and Mind Valley topping the charts. What is it that makes people drool when they get a peak into the offices of these seemingly Charlie-and-the-chocolate factory-esque work spaces, besides the colourful meeting rooms and the smiling faces? It’s the new adaptation on leadership skills - a new genre of business, headed by a new type of leader.

Steve Mercieca, the CEO of Quicklets Malta is a real estate agency with a progressive work ethic. Their core values are founded in efficient customer service within a fun yet professional environment. Quicklets was established as a one-man start-up in January 2013. Within its short lifespan the company has grown consistently into a young, dynamic team of ten employees. “When I worked in a bank, we were trained on force selling tactics and reaching targets, which I found unethical and eventually made me lose interest in what I was doing, so I left to start my own business and do it differently. ‘Work Smarter not harder’ as Steve Jobs would say,” explains Mercieca.

“Our company style promotes comfort and friendliness within our team. When a person feels comfortable, they are more genuine when dealing with clients and they sell a product they believe in,” he says. Quicklets does not set and chase targets, but they set global goals, which they motivate each other to achieve as a team. The funky Quicklets office exudes a fresh working environment. It is complete with a ‘bell of awesomeness’ that is rung every time a team member reaches a big goal and the team celebrates success together.

“The office is an open plan space and all desks, including my own, are in placed in a circular manner. I want to be approachable and easily accessible to the team so that whenever there is a problem or a mistake has been made they feel at ease to tell me so we can act on it together,” he says. “I strive to be a leader, as opposed to a boss, rather than giving orders, I work alongside my team and lead by example.”

Agents share about their week and issues they’d like to discuss at the weekly ‘buzz’ meetings held in the recreational sofa and TV area. This keeps everyone in sync with each other.

This leadership requires maturity from colleagues because you are giving someone flexibility as well as responsibility for themselves and their work. “Above all, respect for the culture we are trying to integrate is crucial. People thrive in their jobs and show loyalty when they feel supported and authentically valued,” says Mercieca.