Principal Rebecca A. Bostwick shares her top 5 leadership mindsets and practices.
In order to embark on a path of sustainable success, high functioning, nimble, and effective organizations prioritize their most valuable asset- their people. True external achievement, whether it be measured through funding and revenue growth, client/customer satisfaction, innovative products, or community benefit—is intrinsically linked to the internal dynamics of the company or organization.
Achieving the desired outcomes is not solely dependent on what is accomplished, but rather on how it is accomplished. Sustainable growth and success requires the cultivation of the following five mindsets and practices that pave the way for long-term success.
1. Creating space for others to lead and grow
Amplify the voices that need to be heard
We all show up in various ways to work- there is strength in our differences
Leading and coaching people based on what works best for each individual, focusing on strengths
Leadership exists in many ways and is not title dependent
2. Excellence and accountability- not perfection
Strive for high performing teams, relationship management, flow of information
Appreciation – mistakes happen. How do we discuss and learn from those moments?
There is not one right way to accomplish the work
Embrace ambiguity but avoid ambivalence and indecision
3. Curiosity and continual learning
No one person knows all the answers
Space for learning and creativity expands possibilities, innovation
Quest to be better, and when we know better, we do better
Understand when decisions need to be made fast and when it requires more time- and use strategic insights to make the best decision at the time with imperfect information
Aggressively listen
4. Always be of service
We, not I
Community minded and centered
Enterprise first, not department/division
Prioritize building relational trust
5. Humor
The “how” of the work also includes the “how” of connection- creating space for fun, laughter, joy
Seriousness about the work, not ourselves