What Does Leadership Mean to You?
No matter how many people you ask, each will have a different idea of what leadership means:
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
– John Quincy Adams
“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”
– Woodrow Wilson
“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.”
– Alexander the Great
At its heart, however, leadership means something individual to us all. Whether by words or example, leadership is what propels us to be better versions of ourselves. It’s what encourages us when we’re low, and gives us something to aspire to.
Leaders aren’t always former presidents or world conquerors. Sometimes they’re our teachers, our parents, our neighbors…ordinary people who achieve the extraordinary, sometimes every day, sometimes in one shining moment.
At Centric, we are fortunate to have leadership who inspire us to be the best we can be. We’ve asked a few of them to give us their idea of what leadership is; perhaps they can inspire you, too.
“Bring the vision to life; ask great questions; use stories; create a climate where things get done; make people feel they work for a winner.”
– Joe Smucny, Cleveland Practice Lead
“Leadership means serving those you lead so they can reach their goals so you can reach yours.”
– Richard McGee, Indianapolis Practice Lead
“Leadership is influence, and influence comes from trust. Trust is built through personal integrity. Leaders influence others to greatness.”
– Tom Huth, Manager, Data & Analytics
“Intelligence or genius is always a good thing. But positive attitude, hard work, determination, consistency, creative solutions, and people skills trump high IQ every time.”
– Mike Brannan, National Practice Leader – Technology Solutions Services
“Leadership = 1. Do what you want others to do. 2. Establish prioritized goals and a ‘path.’ 3. Assign accountability and review progress.”
– Craig Holbrook, Boston Practice Lead
“Remember that people may forget what you say and do, but they rarely forget how you make them feel.”
– Linda Stevens, Manager, Boston
“Show Up. Pay Attention. Tell the Truth. Detach Yourself from the Outcome.”
– Russell Brackett, Boston Practice Lead
“Successful leadership has many traits, but of most value – humility, perseverance, and inspiration.”
–Aaron Aude, Portals & Collaboration Practice Lead