“Think well of people.” — 60 Seconds With: Maura McGrath, Director, McGrath Associates and Chair of the National Concert Hall

Q. What was your first job?

My first job was looking after my sister Bernie who is four years younger than me! My first paid job was working as a young Bank Official in Terenure in Dublin, looking after customers in the early 70s. I actually married one of my customers! A dashing young Army Officer came into my branch one day and invited me to his Military Christmas Dress Dance and the rest is history as they say.

Q. What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?

Undoubtedly my wonderful family – my husband Maxie, and my daughters Lisa, Maria and Jennifer and my four beautiful grandchildren. We have worked hard together to build and nurture a close family bond alongside the demands of a busy but very satisfying working life.

From a work perspective I was assigned at an early stage to the HR discipline and specifically to learning and talent management. I was selected to undertake a Masters in Organisational Behaviour at Trinity College Dublin, which was a significant learning curve for me. I very much enjoyed spearheading innovative programmes in the areas of Leadership and Business at Bank of Ireland. I undertook part time lecturing assignments at Trinity College and the Irish management institute, which launched a whole new vista of opportunities for me both at home within the Public Service, and abroad with the Business School at ING Bank in The Netherlands.

I represented the Bank at various fora and was honoured to lead in the creation of development programmes for women in business. For me, engaging and working with people, and contributing to personal development and self-worth is very special and a source of great satisfaction.

Q. In three words or less, how do you define success?

Life – Well – Lived!

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Even in the most trying of times or circumstances, ‘always try to walk in the other person’s moccasins.’ I always remind myself to be aware of those around me and to never judge a situation without first making the effort to listen and to hear, to understand the motivations, the concerns and the needs of the person across from me.

Q. How do you motivate yourself and your staff?

I believe that maintaining a deliberate focus on what people do well is an essential attribute in all business settings. People respond to positive affirmation, we all do. Instil confidence by recognising strengths, and noting contributions made and efforts undertaken. It is more productive to address issues of concern when you have created a positive environment. It’s easy to fall into the criticism camp, we all slip now and again. I strongly believe in mentoring and coaching. It’s a two-way street and, more often than not, you get back more than you give.

I am very fortunate that my career has brought me to the area of people and talent development within strategic HR, so I am regularly connected with inspiring and progressive thought leaders, from home and abroad. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and sectors means I continue to grow and learn from the unique experiences and insights of others. Being amenable to new ideas, new thinking invigorates me, keeping me interested and excited in my work. I am passionate about creating environments and circumstances that enable people to give their very best and in return receive recognition for their achievements and enjoy a fulfilling and balanced working life.