Mt. Rushmore. In my Next Level Leadership professional development cohort training, I start with a question: Who are your leadership role models and what attributes do they possess? Together, we build a list of the attributes we admire or have experienced – firsthand or from a distance. The attributes run the gamut from character traits to approach, leadership style to philosophy.
As I drove cross-country last week, I was able to stop at Mt. Rushmore. I found the monument awe inspiring, and it got me thinking about my personal “Mt. Rushmore” of leaders. Who and why would I put someone on a proverbial monument, carved in stone?
Trust. The most inspiring leaders empowered me to do my best and supported my learning, growth and development. They trusted me not only to do my best, but to have the self-awareness and professional maturity to say when I needed support, more training, thought partnership or more hands-on oversight.
Active Listener. The best leaders are the best listeners. They listen not only to the words spoken, but also to the meaning. They modeled taking a pause and making sure they had all the information and context necessary to guide from a place of knowledge and understanding rather than assumption.
Safe to Fail. The support to make mistakes and learn from those errors was paramount to my continued success. By knowing I could color outside the lines, take chances, try theories without fear of repercussion allowed me to iterate and innovate. It fostered continuous improvement and independence. It helped me find my way, knowing that my leaders had my back.
Role Model. I have great work stories that have stuck with me through the many stages of my career. I fortunately have worked in industries and companies where we had a damn lot of fun, and I was able to see work-life integration, professional maturity, thoughtful leadership and mentorship modeled. Having role models allowed me to establish my professional brand based on what I admired and wanted to assimilate.
As you think of your own Mt. Rushmore, what other attributes would you assign to the leaders you picture?
Whomever you think of, consider sending a note of appreciation this holiday season to thank them for being ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest in their leadership.
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