DEVELOPING THE LEADER WITHIN UnapologeticallyYOU #
T ake a moment and reflect on YOUR perception of leader- ship. Did your reflection align with one who focuses only on productivity? Or did your reflection align with a service mindset and de- veloping people? Management and Leadership are terms used interchangeably. Often they’re used to describe people with- in an organization who oversee em- ployees. Although used interchange- ably, there’s a very distinct difference between the two. Managers primari- ly are focused on organizational effi - ciencies and productivity. Leaders on the other hand, are SERVICE driven. They have the skillset to captivate, empower, and motivate their em- ployees, while achieving the desired outcome. To Develop the LEADER within, I to had to navigate away from the “management mindset” and be- come a student of the #FabFive skills of influential leaders. 1 Ability to Motivate Your Team One of the most valuable skills of a leader is the ability to motivate their team to do excellent work. It’s not solely about ensuring the day to day tasks are complete. A leader must inspire team members to be fully in-
vested in their roles, no matter how big or small, and reach their full po- tential. 2 Build Trust & Influence One must build trust and in- fluence. Trust is the foundation on which influence is built upon. Be the kind of leader who has more than positional authority. Once authentic trust and influence are built, employ - ees will follow not because they have to, but because they want to. 3 Communicate Are you talking or communicat- ing? Many of us, including myself, have been guilty of talking (simply uttering words with the “hope” of getting a message across), and not communicating. Effective communi - cation involves both the comprehen- sion AND successful transmission of the message. Are you listening? Ac- tive listening is a crucial step in effec - tive communication. Leaders devel- op effective communication not only by providing consistent feedback but accepting feedback as well. 4 Positive & Inclusive Work Environment Another vital skillset is the ability to
create and sustain a positive and in- clusive work environment. Leaders who master this skill, create the ideal conditions for their team to thrive. With this, leaders cultivate a strong sense of belonging, which is neces- sary for great performance. My mot- to is, “What’s Important to My Peo- ple, is Important to Me.” 5 Encourage Growth & Development Does an employee want to attend a specific professional development? Part of encouraging your team to grow and develop is to provide them with opportunities. Leaders must have a “growth mindset.” Both lead- ers and employees need to continu- ously build new skills and knowledge. Offering learning opportunities in addition to advancement pathways, create leadership pipelines for the future. Leaders play an impactful role in the experience of their employees. Everything a leader does affects an organization’s success and culture. Leaders must demonstrate authen- ticity and be committed to employ- ees reaching their full potential. Re- member, leadership is a journey, not a destination that begins with YOU!
Mary Ellen Gilliam, MBA, SNS | MSD Wayne Township, IN Mary Ellen Gilliam, MBA, SNS is the Assistant Director of Child Nutrition for MSD Wayne Township in Indianapolis, IN. She began her career in child nutrition as a dietitian and nutrition manager, in Georgia, before returning to her midwest roots. A proud #BoilerMaker, Mary Ellen earned her Bachelor Degrees in both Nutrition Science & Dietetics from Purdue University. She earned her Masters of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mary Ellen is the youngest of thirteen children. Child Nutrition for Mary Ellen is where Passion meets Purpose.
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