Balancing Leadership and Community Expectations

As a Black CEO deeply entrenched in both my professional responsibilities and community

obligations, I've found myself navigating a complex landscape that often pulls me in multiple

directions. The weight of carrying the aspirations and expectations of my community, while

simultaneously striving to lead a successful organization, has been both a privilege and a challenge.

This dual role has led me to reevaluate how I interact with those around me?both in the boardroom

and within the community.

The Intersection of Leadership and Community Commitment

My journey as the Executive Director/CEO of a new treatment facility in Milwaukee has been marked

by a deep commitment to serving those in need. Our mission to address the opioid crisis, provide

essential services to marginalized communities, and create pathways to recovery is not just

professional; it's deeply personal. My involvement in the community, especially as a member of

Omega Psi Phi and other organizations, has reinforced my belief in the power of collective action

and leadership.

However, this commitment comes with its own set of challenges. Community members often see me

as a beacon of hope, someone they can turn to for guidance, support, and even employment

opportunities. While I am honored by their trust, the sheer volume of requests and the expectations

placed upon me can be overwhelming. This constant solicitation has led to stress and the realization

that I must establish boundaries to protect my mental health and ensure the longevity of my work.

The Importance of Professional Boundaries

As a minority CEO, maintaining professional boundaries is crucial not only for my well-being but also

for the effectiveness of my leadership. Here are some strategies I've adopted to balance my roles

and responsibilities:

1. Setting Clear Expectations:

I've found it essential to communicate my availability and the nature of my involvement in both the

organization and the community. By setting clear expectations with staff and community members,

I've been able to create a more manageable workflow that allows me to focus on strategic initiatives.

2. Cultivating a Feedback Culture:

Encouraging open communication within my team has been vital. By fostering an environment

where feedback is welcomed and valued, I can address concerns or miscommunications early on,

preventing potential issues from escalating. This culture of transparency ensures that while I may

maintain professional boundaries, my team knows that their voices are heard and respected.

3. Delegating Social Interactions:

To avoid being overwhelmed by informal requests and interactions, I've delegated more of these

responsibilities to senior managers and community liaisons. This approach allows me to maintain a

professional distance while ensuring that my organization remains engaged and responsive to

community needs.

4. Neutral and Inclusive Communication:

I've learned to be mindful of how my words can be interpreted. In my role, even light-hearted

joke can be misconstrued, leading to unintended consequences. By adopting neutral, inclusive

language, I reduce the risk of misunderstandings and reinforce the professional tone I aim to set

within the organization.

5. Balancing Community Engagement with Personal Well-being:

My involvement in the community is a source of pride, but it can also be mentally taxing. I've had

to learn that it's okay to step back when needed. Protecting my mental health is not a sign of

weakness: it's a necessary step to ensure that I can continue to lead effectively. This sometimes

means saying no or redirecting requests to others who can help, allowing me to focus on the bigger

picture.

Carrying the Weight of the Community

As a Black CEO, I am acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with my position. The success

of my organization is not just about meeting business goals; it represents the potential and progress

of the Black community as a whole. This responsibility can feel like a heavy burden, but it is also a

source of motivation.

I've come to realize that while I carry the hopes of my community, I must also care for myself. The

pressure to succeed, to be a role model, and to give back can be immense, but it should not come

at the expense of my health or the quality of my leadership. Establishing boundaries, both

personally, and professionally, is not just about self-preservation. It's about ensuring that I can

continue to serve effectively and sustainably.

Moving Forward

As I continue to navigate this path, I am committed to refining my leadership and

community engagement approach. By maintaining professional boundaries, I can better manage the demands

placed upon me and focus on driving the mission of my organization forward. My role as a leader is

not just about managing operations; it's about setting an example for others to follow, demonstrating

that it is possible to lead with both strength and compassion while maintaining the necessary

boundaries to thrive.

In conclusion, the journey of balancing leadership with community expectations is ongoing. It

requires constant reflection, adaptation, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges minority CEOs face. By setting boundaries and protecting my mental well-being, I am ensuring my success and paving the way for others in my community to rise alongside me.

Written by Kenneth Ginlack, CEO, LCSW, CSAC, ICS