My Leadership Philosophy
People at the Center
Some view leadership as a privilege reserved for very few, but I see it as the responsibility of everyone. To me, leadership means setting an example, removing barriers, and providing opportunities for each person’s expertise to contribute to overall success of the individual and the organization. To achieve this, I work from my core values, which are: Integrity, collaboration, respect, equity, and continuous improvement. This last one is key for me, as some of the behaviors I describe below are not yet fully realized in my leadership practice. By stating both my current and aspirational behaviors in the present tense, I am setting my intention to grow into the leader I plan to become.
Values-Based Leadership
Integrity
I am honest and act in accordance with my word. If I make a mistake, I admit it and ask both for grace and for help in correcting that mistake. One of my regular practices is to repeat back what I think I heard, then ask for correction or validation of my understanding before I act on what I believe I know. My teams, my leaders, and my colleagues all know that I can be trusted to follow up on promises, and that I will never “throw them under the bus” for my mistake or theirs.
Collaboration
I foster an environment in which everyone can contribute. When I am the formal leader working with a new team, I do this in a formal kick-off meeting in which I lead a group discussion that includes introductions, a brief explanation of title and area of expertise, and ends with an agreement around team norms. When this formal process is not practical or I am not the formal leader, I use other methods, such as calling on a particular team member when I know they are the expert best positioned to answer a question, providing information to the formal leader, and reviewing meeting invitations and team memberships to ensure that all interests are represented.
Respect
I demonstrate respect for my team members by understanding their unique contributions to the team, and I recognize those contributions with public and private praise. I listen to others before providing an opinion, and I never take credit for someone else’s ideas. I set aside distractions and give my full attention to the person or topic in the moment. I welcome feedback and incorporate it into my practice, and when I provide feedback or coaching, I do it with compassion.
Equity
I ensure equity by treating each team member fairly based on what they need and where they are at in the hierarchy and their personal development. I adjust my expectations and style in response to individual needs. I pay attention to details so I may provide the right support needed for each person to be successful, regardless of experience or position.
Continuous Improvement
As a leader, a follower, a colleague, or friend, I am dedicated to continuous improvement, both of myself and of my environment. In Lean In (2013), Sheryl Sandberg said, “We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change” (p. 156). To this end, I actively, humbly, and gratefully invite feedback to guide my improvement.
Conclusion
My leadership philosophy is still a work in progress, as am I. The best leaders I know do the things I aspire to do: Set the example, remove barriers, and develop people. Though they have different styles and approach it from different perspectives, they have those things in common. Two years ago, I wrote that I hoped to someday become a leader I, myself, could admire. I am getting closer.