Traits & Me
- rebeccafrilot
- Feb 14, 2016
- 2 min read
Don't Be a Whistle Blower
Take a moment to watch this scene from The Sound of Music, featuring Julie Andrews who plays Maria a rebellious member of an Austrian convent... For those of you familiar with the movie, it is evident that there are a variety of techniques that can be used to lead. And while we all bring leadership knowledge based on our knowledge and job experience, what might work for one may be entirely different for another.
During the past four years in San Diego and through my experiences at San Diego State there is one leadership characteristic that stands out to me above the rest. Empathy for your team, for the people around you, and for evolving situations is essential to forming and leading a successful team. How are you supposed to have a team follow you if you're a whistle blower? Julie Andrews comes in as a new "leader" and must find ways to connect with seven children. This is relatable to anyone starting a new job or leading a new team. Getting people in the right seats as a company, starts with them wanting to get onto the bus in the first place. And only when they know the driver can that happen.
Another trait I admire in a leader is ambition. Having the energy and drive to make something happen, to motivate your team to make something happen is essential. "An earnest desire for some type of achievement, and the willingness to strive for its attainment." Ambition can be contagious and within a company I think it demonstrates the leader's desire to see the company succeed and to see its members succeed.
Lastly, I believe the success of great leaders can be attributed to the characteristic of intergity. This is a trait I strive to keep myself because trust and honesty are fragile and once tarnished cannot be given back easily. Honesty with oneself, with ones employees, and ones customers are important on the path to building a strong foundation and enduring business.
These traits I hope to exemplify and strengthen as I grow as a leader and those I hope to see among my peers and those that lead me.
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