Lessons in Leadership Learned Over My Career
by Dr. Shirley B. GordonAfter some 60 years since deciding community colleges were for me, I believe I'm still learning. Serving on the Highline Medical Center Board of Directors and that of Phi Theta Kappa has indeed offered many opportunities to observe leadership in different venues. I find that the leadership lessons I learned early on are still valid guidelines for me today.
Leadership isn't the goal. It is granted by others who find something about a person's manner, performance, abilities, and values that make them see that person as a leader who they believe can help them achieve their own goals. My years in education, community colleges in particular, helped me identify some specific lessons about leadership learned along the way.
FOCUS ON POSSIBILITIES rather than obstacles because possibilities afford a positive view of a situation and often lead to a clearer understanding of actions to be taken. This broader look can reduce the task to doable steps and lessen its complexity.
BE PREPARED whatever the task. There is no substitute for careful and thorough preparation which gives one the confidence and knowledge - and sometimes courage - necessary to face the task at hand.
KNOW YOUR INSTITUTION - its faculty, staff, students, principal programs, and the community it serves. Above all, don't be a stranger on the campus.
PEOPLE WANT TO SUCCEED - faculty, students… all of us, not fail. Helping others on their journey to success probably helps you more than it helps them.
OBSERVE AND EVALUATE the actions and approaches of those you regard as leaders. Look at their successes and failures and learn from them, as well as from your own experiences. We all make mistakes; the goal is not to make the same mistakes over again. Don't try to copy others, but look for ways to improve your own performance.
TAKE TIME TO SAY THANKS and to drop a congratulatory note, for a special effort, or acknowledge a job well done. Little things do mean a lot.
HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS for yourself and let your expectations for your college be known. It is primarily others who will enable the institution to realize your expectations for it.
LISTEN ATTENTIVELY and weigh your words carefully when you speak and write. I learned long ago that I learn much more by listening than by talking.
LET EXCELLENCE BE YOUR STANDARD achieving it is a lifelong pursuit. Knowing you've done your very best provides an inner satisfaction that is the best reward possible.
ABOVE ALL BE PASSIONATE about your work and be yourself. Sincerity and enthusiasm are key ingredients in this very personal realm.
Dr. Shirley B. Gordon is the Chairman of the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors and President Emeritus of Highline Community College in Washington. A distinguished educator and a tireless advocate for academic excellence among community college students, she recently received the 2005 National Leadership Award from the American Association of Community Colleges.
