Former Surrey, B.C. mayor Dianne Watts at the VRCA Construction Leadership Forum

Dianne Watts, the former mayor of Surrey, B.C., was the closing keynote speaker at the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s Construction Leadership Forum in Whistler, B.C. Watts explained how the leadership lessons she learned in private industry helped shaped her style of governance upon taking charge of Surrey, B.C., one of the fastest growing and youngest cities in Canada. Watts also stressed the importance of communication and finding the commonalities you have with those you’re leading. She also stressed the importance of self-evaluation, and said leaders need to be strong in their “sense of themselves” in order to lead others effectively.