Leadership Reflections: A Journey of Learning and Growth

After an eventful week of work and travel, I eagerly anticipated a weekend dinner with family and friends. Amidst the cheerful ambiance, a friend's question about my leadership journey caught me off guard, prompting me to reflect deeply for the first time in a while.

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The next morning, before the sun had risen, I embarked on a long run, seeking clarity. As my feet pounded the pavement, memories flooded my mind, recounting pivotal moments and the guiding wisdom of mentors along my path.

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Rich Gilbert , a manager overflowing with positivity, instilled in me the mantra of continuous improvement, shaping my mindset into one of relentless learning. He made a list of books I should read (Original list below from 20+ years ago) and introduced the concept of "Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better." I took this to heart and moved to a "Learn it all mentality." Rich has been a mentor and friend for the last 25 years, and I had an opportunity to have coffee with him last month when he was visiting Houston. I am thankful that I met Rich and for his friendship and guidance.

In my journey, I encountered leaders like Paul Scorza , Thomas Althoff , and Bob Toranto, each imparting invaluable lessons through their distinct leadership styles. From Paul's challenging assignments to Tom's no-nonsense approach and Bob's mastery of executive relationships, I absorbed wisdom that still influences me today.

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Even outside the workplace, individuals like Subramaniam Kumar and James B Anderson left lasting impressions, teaching me simplicity in thinking, health, and the art of decision-making. Gratitude fills my heart for their guidance and generosity.

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As the miles passed beneath my feet, I pondered the essence of leadership. It's about action, vision, and people. It thrives on trust, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. It demands integrity, decisiveness, and adaptability—a delicate balance of strength and empathy.

• Leadership is about getting things done and driving positive outcomes.
• Leadership is about having a vision that inspires and empowers others.
• Leadership is about the people.
• Leadership is about being tough but fair.
• Leadership is about cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration.
• Leadership is about having a "learn it all mentality" vs a "know it all mentality."
• Leadership is about communicating with empathy and integrity.
• Leadership is about sound planning.
• Leadership is about being decisive amidst uncertainty.
• Leadership is about being disciplined but not rigid.
• Leadership is about knowing when to lead and when to follow.
• Leadership is about being focused but detached.

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Self-compassion emerged as a crucial component, allowing us to embrace mistakes, learn from failures, and foster resilience. I learned to focus on solutions, cultivate curiosity, and practice active listening.

• Practice self-compassion. Humans do make mistakes. Self-kindness helps you overcome mistakes and increase emotional resilience.
• Focus on the next best action vs complaining or whining.
• Be curious and ask a lot of questions to understand.
• Actively listen to understand vs to respond.
• Surround yourself with positive people with a can-do attitude.

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Surrounded by the morning light, I returned home, completing a half-marathon distance and undergoing profound introspection.

?Grateful for every experience, success, and setback, leadership is not just a destination but a continuous journey of growth and discovery. Once you achieve your goals, the next mountain to climb becomes clearly visible. So, let us embrace the process, relish the challenges, and cherish the journey—knowing that each step brings us closer to our leadership goals. Embrace the suck and focus on the positive!

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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."

— Aristotle, Greek Philosopher

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