Connecting with Michelle Gadsden-Williams

How have relationships influenced your professional development and leadership style??

In my view, building, maintaining and sustaining meaningful relationships are a fundamental?enabler of effective leadership.?It requires intentionality and discipline to do it the right way.?This comes relatively easy for me as I am an extrovert and draw my energy from engaging with others.?As a diversity executive of more than 25 years, I rely on the development of relationships in order to cultivate trust, influence and accelerate positive outcomes.?This is paramount to the work of all change agents.?Through these engagements, both formal and informal, I've been able to reap the benefits of an incredible ecosystem of allies, executive sponsors, mentors, trusted advisors and colleagues.?These?are individuals who I can share ideas and perspectives with - without judgement!?They have nothing but my best interest in mind and most importantly play a pivotal role in my professional development.?They all have very high expectations.?My goal is simply to live up to the promise of delivering exceptional work and not let them down as they are leveraging their political?and reputational?collateral to ensure that I am successful.?These relationships have also shaped my leadership style.?Over the years, I have replicated many of the leadership qualities of those individuals who I have had the pleasure of establishing a rapport with - most notably empathy and treating others with dignity and mutual respect.??

Do you have any tips for maintaining and building strong relationships???

The key to any relationship is consistency and maintenance.?I am a connector and a convenor.?Any opportunity that I have to make contact with others (virtually or otherwise) or to bring people together adds a layer of fulfillment to my day.?There is a wonderful book that I read years ago called, "The Personal Touch: What You Really Need to Succeed in Today's Fast Paced Business World" by Terrie Williams.?This book was incredibly helpful to me in a number of ways - specifically in terms of the art of personalized connections.?Here are a few tips that I would offer:??

• Relationship maintenance?should be a priority.?Regular outreach is critical!?
• I am a firm believer in the simplicity of making a phone call or the elegance of a handwritten letter versus sending an email.?These things may seem trite, but they work!?
• Quality in the outreach is key versus frequency.?When I call or meet with people, I have a purpose and an outcome in mind.??
• Follow through on commitments!
• Always thank people for sharing their most coveted commodity - their time!

How have you intentionally built inclusiveness into your circles??

By nature of the work that I do in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and having an extremely diverse social circle, I am conscious of the need to consistently demonstrate?inclusivity at every turn.?As a woman of color, I know what it feels like to be an F.O.D - First, Only, Different, as Shonda Rhimes so eloquently defines in her book, "Year of Yes".?In other words, being the first woman in a role, the only person of color in a room or simply being different.?Inclusion is a core principle that is hardwired into my leadership style.?I genuinely care about others and how they are treated.?I am generous with my time, my connections and most importantly...I treat others the way that I would like to be treated - and that is with dignity and mutual respect.??

What community or communities are you proud to be a part of??

I am a member of a number of communities.?(Literally, there are too many to?name!)?I am a member of a number of professional associations, non-for-profit organizations where?I serve as a board member and I am most proud of the fact that I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.??

Who’s a Connector that's made a difference in your life??

Linda A. Hill (Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration and Faculty Chair, Leadership Initiative at Harvard Business School) has been a connector who has made a material difference in my life.?She is one of the world's leading experts on leadership and innovation and has been incredibly generous with her time and has served as a sponsor/mentor for me over the years.?She has made strategic introductions and, literally, opened doors for me.?I've learned a lot from her genius.?She has made an indelible?mark on me - both personally and professionally.?I am truly indebted to Linda for all that she has done for me over the years.