Dear Leaders,
When I think about the leaders who most influenced my journey, I am reminded that they were individuals who modeled the qualities, characteristics, and skills I wanted to embody as a leader. Even today, I continue striving to reflect those same qualities because they shape a leader’s ability to positively influence the actions, mindset, and practices of others.
Some were people of few words, but all of them modeled steady decision-making, wise counsel, a calm presence, and high expectations coupled with respect and dignity for the people they served.
None of them relied on positional power to move people to action or bring a team together. Rather, they reminded us of the moral imperatives and professional responsibilities that come with our work, and those reminders helped many of us stay grounded in our values, ethics, and purpose. Their focus was always on solving problems and working through challenges collaboratively. They cared more about doing what was right than being right. They never placed ego or personal interest above the mission.
They embodied humility, integrity, authenticity, and kindness. They were conscientious, honest, trustworthy, and deeply respectful of others. They understood the importance of confidentiality, especially in sensitive situations, and they handled both people and problems with care. No matter the issue, they remained grounded in their values and treated others with dignity and respect.
As I reflect on how I show up as a leader, I ask myself these questions:
Does my presence bring calm to high-stress situations, or does it fuel tension?
Do the people I serve feel seen, heard, respected, and valued in the way I interact with them?
Do I put my personal feelings aside and approach situations objectively to help ensure the right decisions are made?
Do I model the high expectations I set for others while treating every person with respect and dignity?
Do I practice humility, integrity, and kindness in all situations?
I want to encourage leaders to take an honest look at themselves and reflect on how they show up each day for the people they serve. If you are really brave, ask your team to answer those same questions about you. Then reflect honestly on their responses and make changes if their perceptions are misaligned with how you intend to lead.
Remember, leadership is never really about the leader. It is about the influence we have and the impact we leave on the people we serve.
Keep leading with heart, soul, and from the inside out!
Yours in Leadership,
Latoya