7 Lessons on Leadership

As I sit on the plane heading home to Toronto, I scroll to discover one of my favourite all time movies: The Wizard of Oz. I swear, this movie follows me like Toto does Dorothy! In that moment, time froze and I realized it was over 3 years ago that I posted an article using the same beloved film as my theme to express my heart, dare I say humour, of where I had landed - career wise. There's no place like home ... there's no place like home ... Yes, this sentiment still rings true. Suddenly, I’m recalling the fact that unlike my blue Gangnam dressed idol it's never taken a window frame to whack me upside the head – at least not literally - to make me realize that you don’t just wake up to a dream. It's taken me years of following a winding, not always bright, yellow brick road to realize that Oz is right where you belong from the beginning. In my last article, I spoke about my foundations; I thought this time around I’d speak to what I’ve learned about the word “leadership” since joining the ONtourage. Remember, the road starts with YOU genuinely engaging in the adventure!

1.    There’s no place like home: Why do you do what you do?

Talk about resilience! Not even a wicked witch could stop good ol’ Dorothy! Nothing could sway her from her purpose, i.e. take her off the path of finding her way home. So, my question to you as a leader would be: how do you keep yourself, and your team, focused on that purpose? At Old Navy, We Squeeze More Fun Out of Life, Together. Doesn’t get clearer than that! If you’re doing what you love, as Don Fisher our founder would say, then you know it’s safe here to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Live your life in technicolor, and like her, be fully committed + engaged in the wonders, adventures, friendships, and yes even dangers you encounter in Oz.

2.    It takes courage, mind and heart all around.

Think about it; who does she meet on her journey than versions of her disempowered self. The Scarecrow needs a brain, the Tin Man needs a heart and the Lion some courage. She ran away from home feeling misunderstood and underappreciated. The making of a true leader, and to be frank decent human being, is the recognition that our best self is one who holds true to character. Through your journey, at least I can say so here at Old Navy, if you open your mind and embrace your own strength there’s nothing that can make you feel more secure in your role as a leader and just as a person.

3.    We’re off to see the Wizard: No man OR woman gets left behind!

Doesn’t everyone want to just lock arms and skip down the street in song? Okay, this is coming from someone who spent 7 years doing musical theatre, but while I’m unsure about how my team would feel about my pitch imperfect, I’m sure we would all agree everything is better together. Yes, yes, the cliché applies even in leadership. The journey is both safer, more productive and let’s face it more fun with others by our side. 

4.    Lions, tigers and bears, Oh my! When the going gets tough, get tougher.

Menacing trees throwing apples or flying monkeys should never sway a leader! If you’re wise you know that it is our responsibility to keep people moving down the yellow brick road just as peachy keen as our dear Dorothy. Deal with obstacles, whether it be tough conversations or failures head-on and always stay the course while representing your values and mission. Your career - just like your personal life - is good, bad AND can get ugly. So, have some true grit, be positive and don’t lose your faith, or as mentioned, purpose! Nothing truly worth it in life comes easy.

5.    Lift the curtain: Don’t hide behind your title!

The great and powerful Oz was in the end all smoke and mirrors. A name and a myth evoked fear, awe and respect throughout the land, but ultimately, he was powerless … until, the curtain was lifted and ta da could provide genuine help as a real person! Have command, but don’t voice your authority. Having authentic connections with people around you will garner the respect naturally. As a leader at Old Navy, it is important to understand the difference between who you are and what you stand for verses what you are and the role you occupy.

6.    Anyone can have a brain, but do you know your stuff?

Remember when Dorothy meets Professor Marvel who guesses, I mean knows, she’s running away from home? While her eyes are closed, he rummages through her basket and finds a picture of Auntie Em. He discovers a fact! He can read the crystal ball and see the future only by knowing the past. Long story short, doing your research will produce the necessary data to ensure your work is focused on the real problem. A leader gathers data before making a decision! Once you’re able to lay down a map of what you’ve done, I believe you’ll be more equipped to figure out your direction. Development starts with you!

7.    Shine those ruby slippers: The road starts with YOU!

Don’t you love the look on Dorothy’s face when Glinda points out that she always had the power to go home? I always talk about the power of a good pair of heels, but I digress. Why doesn’t her mentor just come out and say it? Some things can’t be taught, but just must be learned. Leadership is a test of time. If you want to grow you can’t expect someone else to do it for you. That’s key for the people around you and your own development. I always tell people you own 90% of your career and the other 10% is making sure you’re surrounded by other leaders who are picking up what you’re putting down. If you’re staying true to who you are and following your life’s purpose the rest should be somewhere this side of the rainbow!

What are your best leadership tips? I’d love to hear them!

To my team... Simply put: Thank you! You all know who you are :)