Ron's Reflections

In the last year I have had a number of experiences where I have been asked to share how I lead, my leadership style, or my leadership philosophy.

I have always struggled to put a label on my approach; I am not sure I have a particular leadership philosophy or style.  Leadership is situational.  As leaders we need to modify our approach to meet the individual or team “where they are” and in a style that meets their needs. My approach is to remain flexible, to understand the needs of the team or individual, and then adapt the approach to the situation.  However, as we flex our approach, we need to maintain consistency in expectations and values to cultivate and maintain trust. If I was forced to find a label right now and right here as I ponder this question over a cup of coffee, I guess I would choose people-centered and action oriented.

Here are a few tenets I try to follow and model.  Try is the operative word – stumbling along the way is part of the journey.

• Empowerment –True empowerment requires responsibility, accountability, authority, autonomy, and support.
• Equitable Not Equal – Meritocracy balanced with team before me.
• Strengths Based Development – Develop and leverage strengths, address and mitigate weaknesses.
• We Learn Most Through Our Experiences – both failures and successes.
• Great leaders are great coaches and competent managers.
• Principles and trust over policy and hierarchy.
• Learning mindset – the answers are in the questions you ask, how you ask them, and your intention when asking.
• Be clear on the problem to solve before attempting to solve it.
• Empathy not Sympathy.
• Honest, candid, and timely feedback delivered with positive intent.
• Although results are critically important, HOW we get the results is paramount.
• Be humble.
• Enjoy the ride. Life’s journey is way too short.

My purpose for sharing my thoughts is twofold.  First, it is a great motivator to think deeply about specific topics, challenge my own beliefs, and highlight gaps or biases.  Secondly, and most importantly it is a great learning opportunity.  As I delve into a topic, I always learn something new.  One of the most satisfying parts of the learning journey is having that “ah-ha” moment when I connect some previously unconnected dots or simply modify my current view with a new learning.  I cherish those “ah-ha” moments.

Over the upcoming weeks (more likely, months) I will dive into each of these tenets as I continue down my personal learning journey.

Everyone has their own style, their own philosophy, their own way of leading (and following – great leaders know when to follow).  Libraries, bookstores, and ChatGPT have enough content on leadership to fill a lifetime of reading and I am sure I could add dozens of items to the list.  

Leadership is personal and being genuine to who you are as a leader is critical. There is no single best way to lead because no two leaders are the same. We all need to leverage our strengths and mitigate our weaknesses and shortcomings.  I would love to hear your thoughts…