09/30/2022
"You might be in a position of management, but you are no leader." These are the very words that replayed in my head regularly in the workplace when thinking about my chain of command. I used to believe that I would one day say those words to my supervisor, but that day never came.
Reflecting back on that situation, nearly 20 years after leaving the company, I realize that I didn't have the full picture back then. Although the concept of having a position in management doesn't make one a leader is an accurate one, I now realize that I was also not leading myself well as an employee. I was selfishly focused on what would benefit me versus what would benefit the company that was providing me employment, pay, and benefits. I also wasn't experienced enough to ask the right questions and better understand the daily challenges facing managers.
Now, I am a member of management. Are things coming full circle? How can I best communicate with staff and keep everyone well informed? How can I best show the organization's mission in action versus just having it as a statement on our website or in a new employee handbook? How can I help the team feel appreciated and motivate them to perform at their best? Am I creating opportunities for them to advance into their gifts and talents? How do we get to synergistic levels of performance? How can I lead well?
These are some of the questions that I now ask, and to which I actively pursue answers. I've learned that leadership is a journey, not a destination, and there is always room for improvement. Leadership is also not just for members of management in the workplace; it can start with you regardless of your position. Companies benefit when they take advantage of staff's unique experiences, perspectives, and diverse backgrounds.
If you intentionally seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth and want to be a greater contributor in your organization, then I invite you to Live2Lead, a masterfully designed, half-day event that helps leaders navigate their journeys. It was created by the Maxwell Leadership Team and is an excellent place to seek answers to leadership-based questions. I have attended since 2018, and it gets better every year.
This year's Live2Lead event is on Friday, October 7th, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. It is held in Atlanta, Georgia, where the tickets have sold out, however, you can still attend. There will be a hybrid simulcast held in Columbia, South Carolina, at the University of South Carolina's Pastides Alumni Center. It will be hosted by local area leaders Ron Harvey and Niña Ellison. For more information on how you can Live2Lead with us, please contact me or visit https://soda.city/live2lead.
See you there!
Raul Cruz
