Let's Unpack Effective Leadership

Article #2: Where Have You Been?

My first article discussed taking stock of the impact that people in your life have had on your leadership style.  To supplement that thinking, I’d submit that the places you’ve lived, as well as the ones that you’ve explored through travel, have exposed you to environments and cultures that have also affected your approach to leadership. 

A few things to share:

Having lived in such diverse US locales as New England, Texas, New York City and Southern California, I can honestly say that the differences in local identities are dramatic.  Each location contributed to shaping me as a person, and ultimately as a leader, in unique ways. Simply put, New England provided a certain conservatism and puritan work ethic; Texas, an elevated level of self-confidence and swagger; New York City, a heightened energy, laser focus and 24/7 intensity; and Southern California, a commitment to achieving physical, emotional and spiritual balance in life.

I’ve also had the good fortune of traveling abroad to countries whose people and history have exposed me to different ways of thinking and doing – and more often than not, taken me outside of my comfort zone. Memorable destinations include Tanzania, Cambodia and New Zealand.  In each location, I’ve been struck by the absolute commitment to community and the resiliency of the people, no matter how imposing the challenges.  

Tanzanians have faced frequent floods and droughts; Cambodians suffered under the brutal regime of Pol Pot; and Kiwis have endured both a major earthquake and terrorism within the last decade. While any of these events could be potentially devastating, people instead took them as opportunities to rally together and strengthen their mutual bonds.

Exposure to these cultures has not only been educational for me, but it has also challenged me to evaluate my own behavior and priorities.  I became aware that my ambitious career aspirations often drew focus away from strengthening my own community. Personally, I wasn’t dedicating enough time to deepening relationships with family and friends. I also realized that I needed to supplement my career efforts with a heightened commitment to charitable activities. Professionally, I often chose not to share aspects of my personal life (including insights gained through my travel!) with work associates, which made me less approachable.   

Experts have said that balanced individuals make better leaders, and I would concur. My willingness to be more candid about my experiences outside of the workplace encouraged more honest and open dialogue with my work colleagues, and ultimately led to a higher degree of mutual trust. 

A few things to do:

I’d suggest taking some time to reflect on the places you’ve lived and those that you’ve visited. Think about your experiences in those places and the people you’ve met along the way. Can those experiences help to paint a more complete picture of who you are as an individual and as a current or potential leader?  Are there learnings that can be applied?  What does it mean for you to step outside of your comfort zone – and how does it make you feel when you do?  

Once again, the path to effective leadership starts from within by fully understanding yourself from multiple views. Geography is just one example of that notion and supports the belief that experiences gained in other locales can provide a valuable perspective on our own approach to personal lives, careers and leadership styles.