What is leadership? It is not management. There are people who are managers just because of longevity, not because of any effort to engage in change of his or her mindset and positively affect those he or she manages. They are often micromanagers, sending you 100 emails a day, constantly calling you, or “popping” into your office, asking about a project he or she delegated. Then, once the task you worked so hard to complete is done, he or she puts his or her name on it, and takes all the credit. You know those managers, because as soon as the
clock hits 4:30 p.m., employees run, often tripping over each other, to leave.
In contrast, a leader is the polar opposite. Working for or with a leader leaves you
hungering for more, a driving passion to go after all that life has to offer, and sharing your time, talent and resources with others. Dr. Lyman K. Steil and Dr. Richard K. Bommelje, authors of Listening Leaders: The Ten Golden Rules to Listen, Lead & Succeed,” assert that “leadership is guiding yourself and others to positive results for the enhancement of all individuals, organizations, and society.” Leadership is about ethical behavior and actions taken. I have had the great fortune to encounter three great leaders, and I would like to introduce them to you.
The first is Rick Bommelje, a professor at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. It was during a time when I was recovering from a trauma accident. He inspired me to turn my near death experience into an opportunity to embark on a journey of discovery. Because of Rick, I learned to believe in myself, which gave me the strength and courage to accept the role as my father’s caregiver, walking with him during his final journey of life.
The other two leaders I have had the opportunity to work with are Statewide Director of Gangs, Guns, and Violent Crimes Jose M. Cordero, and Dennis P. McNulty, Major, Commanding Officer, New Jersey State Police, Emergency Management Section. Both articulated a clear vision of expectations and outcomes of their respective events. As leaders, they provided a map, enabling me to navigate through the waters, establishing and prioritizing goals to meet or exceed their expectations.
In turn, I listened to understand what they needed their events to convey; a law enforcement conference, and a tour of the Regional Operations Intelligence Center, ROIC “the ROCK,” which serves as the command center for all New Jersey state-led emergency response operations, such as natural disasters, chemical or nuclear emergencies, or terror alerts, respectively. Their total focus and attention was on listening, when I asked, “I heard what you said, and studied the map, and this proposal details my understanding of your vision for your event.” Director Cordero and Major McNulty respected and valued my viewpoint, welcoming dialogue.
What they did was motivating, compelling me into action. Neither told me what to do, rather Director Cordero and Major McNulty invited me to engage in the planning process, disclosing the “big picture,” and why the event was an integral part. They instilled passion, enthusiasm, and gave me permission to initiate and innovate as I created their respective events, focusing on the details. I was not micromanaged. Instead, I submitted progress reports as requested, received coaching and provided resources. I achieved the creation of professional
forums for a law enforcement conference and a tour of the ROIC, exceeding the high standards set for those events.
Embarking on a leadership journey is continuous, and as I charter new routes, I look forward to engagement with additional leaders. Developing your leadership style and abilities is a daily activity!
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