Amid our current political chaos, I found an example of a leader who, for me, is demonstrating professionalism, respect, and integrity. Regardless of your position on topics, these characteristics are paramount in our behavior – especially when we lead teams.
We’re living in a tenuous time when health, economic, and political discord take center stage in the noise around us. Within that noise, we’re then challenged to maintain focus on staying successful professionally while keeping our employees safe and productive.
Reading about Judge Barrett’s personal and professional life is an impressive story in itself. Having the opportunity to watch her conduct in real-time surrounding her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court is a true lesson in leadership.
My observation and impression are not about her political beliefs, but rather her presentation as a leader. She is honest in her views, communications with others, and respectful delivery. Something we sorely miss in today’s hyper-sound bite world. How many of us can say we act the same?
“Respect yourself, and others will respect you.”
Confucius
We have written many times on the need to clearly define and communicate your goals internally with your team and externally with your customers. How can they offer us the efficiency and support that we need to be successful without having a clear understanding of our targets? When everyone is on the same page, our job as leaders becomes much easier.
The same can be said about communication and respect for others – both internally and externally. Looking past people’s personal beliefs and focusing on our mutual efforts and goals for success – again makes things easier, more enjoyable, and more rewarding. Looking for the common good with people and letting that direct your behavior benefits all of us.
“Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can’t get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn’t even matter.”
Gilbert Amelio – President and CEO of National Semiconductor Corp
Regardless of whether or not Judge Barrett gets confirmed, she has offered an example of leadership in both her personal and professional lives that stands out for me. I’m always looking for books, articles, and videos on people who demonstrated steadfast examples of leadership’s right approach. For me, she provides one of those examples.
As 2020 comes to a close, there are many lessons for all of us, and several of them positive. The belief that the true challenge for all of us leaders is similar to what Nassim Nicholas Taleb described in his book, Antifragile: Things that Gain from Disorder. That is looking beyond just being careful or surviving challenges but actually growing during them. As leaders, I’m confident that you’d agree that growth is always our goal!
