Traits for Effective Leadership — My Approach

Effective Leadership

I have served on four boards for the Town of Smithfield beginning in 2011 for the Financial Review Commission.  These experiences have expanded my knowledge with Town functions, operations, and fiscal details.  A wealth of experience and knowledge.  I served as the chair and vice-chair several times over the last 15 years.  So, leadership is not new to me.

However, it is always a work in process.  Learning, thinking, storing knowledge, data, and details.

On that thread, as a candidate for the Smithfield Town Council, I often think of how I would serve in that role as a town leader.  This graphic inspired me to write this post.  I will review some of the eleven traits outlined in the graphic and how I serve using that knowledge.  Some of these “laws” do not necessarily (or fully) translate to the obligations or duties of the Council.

My Promise of Leadership

• #1. It is amazing. I have used this quote so many times in the last 46 years, I cannot count. For those that know me, I am a meticulous planner. I coach my students and consulting clients to view their week on the weekend … looking through a horizon of what needs to be accomplished and completed that week. It helps me to focus on the crucial deadlines and adjust my time accordingly.
• #3. If you view the posts on my Discussion blog site, I have been willing to “dive in” to a concept, issue, or thought pattern for about seven years. When an idea is “conveyed” to me (sometimes at the most inopportune times), I strive to transfer my ideas to paper, or in this case, an electronic medium. Deep dive into educating and communicating ideas to the public along with current challenges and successes.
• #4. This trait is described in #3. You cannot keep ideas and outcomes to yourself. That is selfish and does not help people and organizations. The Discussion blog, along with social media to front it, is an excellent medium to store these ideas and thoughts over time.
• #5. Gathering input and data is key to decision making. Just as you cannot live a healthy life in a room without doors or windows. Nothing good occurs in a vacuum. Also, the term “bounded rationality” fits here … “Gathering enough information to make the decision you want to implement and then stop getting information.” Effective, successful leaders gather ALL information at their disposal. To recommend the BEST decision.
• #6. Time management is a term used that has, by itself, no dramatic positive effect on results. I teach students that you first must define your priorities and then assign your time accordingly. That mindset will always be ingrained in my thoughts and actions for the Town.
• #7. This trait is crucial for me. At my university, I always compliment my colleagues whenever I cross their path. If you followed me around, you would hear me thanking our Facilities Staff housekeepers for what they do for all of us. One time a kind woman said to me … “It’s my job.” To which I replied quickly … “If you did not do your job, I could not do my job” (as an educator to enter my room if there was trash in front of the door). She smiled, making me smile.
• #9. This trait is connected to #6. Like my work on the Budget and Financial Review Board, there are many things to do. But you cannot do everything. And you should not. If you become overwhelmed as a leader, you cannot effectively serve the people in your care. Or the organization. Basically, create a priority list either by magnitude or date parameters.