Be the Bridge
Averil swimming towards the bridge in the river at Cilgerran
There is a great phrase in Welsh: A fo ben bid bont. It translates as, “He who is a leader, let him be a bridge.” It’s a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about standing apart; it’s about bringing people together.
Great leaders act as bridges—between generations, cultures, ideas, and perspectives. They create connections where there might otherwise be gaps, helping others cross from uncertainty to understanding, from division to unity, from stagnation to progress.
Leadership as a Bridge
A bridge provides stability and access. It doesn’t choose sides; it serves all who need to cross. In the same way, an effective leader fosters inclusivity, ensuring that different voices are heard and valued. They navigate between the wisdom of experience and the energy of innovation, balancing past lessons with future opportunities.
Leadership as a bridge means:
Connecting Generations: Understanding and valuing both experience and fresh perspectives.
Crossing Cultural Divides: Encouraging diversity and inclusion to foster stronger, more creative teams.
Facilitating Change: Helping people move from where they are to where they need to be.
How Can You Be a Bridge?
Listen to Understand – A bridge must be built on a solid foundation. That foundation in leadership is listening, truly hearing concerns, aspirations, and ideas from all sides.
Foster Collaboration – Bring people together to find common ground and shared solutions.
Encourage Growth – Help others step confidently into new opportunities, just as a bridge provides safe passage forward.
Lead with Integrity – Trust is essential. A bridge must be strong and reliable, just as a leader must act with consistency and fairness.
A Legacy of Leadership
To be a leader is to be a bridge—one that stands strong through time, enabling those who follow to go further. In your career, community, and personal journey, how are you acting as a bridge for others? Are you helping people connect, understand, and grow?
At Avie Consultancy Ltd, we believe in leadership that builds lasting impact. Whether through coaching, mentoring, or training, we support leaders in becoming bridges—creating pathways for success, inclusion, and transformation.
Let’s embrace the wisdom of A fo ben bid bont and strive to be the bridges that bring people together. Because great leadership isn’t just about direction—it’s about connection.
