LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

As readers of this monthly leadership insight, we vary in years of experience, age, and approaches. We bring diverse viewpoints to the definition of good leadership—what WE think it means to be a great leader. I’m challenging all of us to look at leadership from a different perspective. Instead of seeing it through our own eyes, considering what benefit we bring to those we support, let’s get curious: what do those we serve NEED from our leadership?

January marks the beginning of a new walk for me as I now offer this monthly reflection.  I’m attempting to fill the big shoes of one of my most cherished mentors—Jo Anne Preston, who taught me so very much about myself and about what true leadership looks like.  Realistically I know I’ll never fill her shoes, as I’m simply not like her, despite my desire to be.  Instead, I’m working on walking ever steadier in my own shoes.  Over the past 23 years of my own leadership journey, even that ha...

Ahhh…Fall! The season of colorful leaves fluttering to the ground, cooler temperatures, fields being harvested, Friday night football, children racing door to door to collect treats, and yes…PUMPKINS! I may be more excited than most about the annual tradition of growing, carving, and displaying pumpkins. But this year in my pumpkin search, I’m seeing messages of leadership and fostering belonging. Read on to see what I mean:

Have you ever felt like an outsider? For example, I had a year-long weekly class in eighth grade, and I was the only one who came from the neighboring – rival - town. The other kids sat on the opposite side of the room from me and, for twelve months, only the teacher acknowledged my presence.

I’ve been hearing more and more about Belonging and its impact on employee well-being, engagement, and retention. It got me curious. Is it really as big of a deal as it seems? In a word, yes. The more I learn, the more convinced I am that it’s a golden ticket that we might not have yet completely unwrapped.