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Leadership Skills for Men and Women
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Joanne Garnett, AICP
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Author Info |
Abstract
Whether looking at offices, associations, or volunteer organizations, it is individuals with leadership skills that put forth the drive to make sure existing goals are reached and new goals are created. Without effective leadership, processes can bog down and the best of plans may be laid to waste. Leaders come in many forms, including those that serve as department heads or are heads of organizations. But leaders can also be identified as the risk-takers, as well as individuals with a strong sense of balance. These interpretations and others is the subject of this paper.
Introduction
At the April 1998 National APA Conference, five panelists will present information and share perspectives about what constitutes a 'leader'. They will describe various steps planners can take to excel within their work place and contribute to their profession, while also maintaining a sense of balance. The panelists represent various backgrounds and work experiences and includes:
- Elizabeth A. Benson, AICP, senior planner and project manager, HDR Alaska, Inc.
Anchorage, AK
- Arlan M. Colton, AICP, county planner, Arizona Preserve Initiative, Phoenix, AZ
- Joanne Garnett, AICP, county planner, Sublette County Planning and Zoning Department,
Pinedale, WY
- Sarah S. More, AICP, principal planner, City of Tucson Planning Department, Tucson, AZ
- Mary Kay Peck, AICP, director, City of Henderson Planning and Redevelopment Department, Henderson, NV
A summary of the combined thoughts of each speaker are presented in the remainder of this article. Characteristics that comprise a leader and guidance regarding how individuals can develop leadership skills are described.
What Constitutes A Leader
Not all leaders provide good leadership. Some people are thrust into roles they are either ill prepared or unsuited for because they do not yet have the skills and abilities to be effective. While there are those that seem to be natural born leaders, others can benefit by learning skills that provide the basics of being a good leader. This paper focuses on the individuals who wish to learn how to develop leadership skills.
Virtually all offices and associations benefit by having people in-house that can take the bull by the horns and get things done. Even better, though, are having people with the skills to unify the office around common causes while demonstrating qualities that make their co-workers and others happy to follow their lead.
Leadership Traits
Qualities often found in those that lead most effectively include the following:
- Listeners. Those that lead well have learned to first of all listen well.
- Objective. They ask questions and are open to all sides.
- Fairness. Even-handed and fair, leaders do not play favorites.
- Humor counts. They are not afraid to smile and demonstrate a good sense of humor.
- Self motivators. Leaders pursue new approaches to doing things and stay current.
- Volunteers. They serve the profession by writing articles, participating in conferences, and sharing knowledge with co-workers.
- Network. They are familiar with who the key players are and effectively network with them.
- Ethical. Leaders act ethically and make sure those around them do as well.
- Timing. Finally, leaders know when it is time to go, whatever the reasons.
The qualities listed above represent the idea leaders. Certainly, people that do not have these qualities may also be leaders. Quite often, though, what these other individuals really seem to be are dictators or authoritarians that lead through the use of fear. In a profession that prides itself on consensus building and public participation, such leaders do not fit in well with the staff they work with. Odds are good that these individuals will not be well suited to work with their communities or clients, either. So this panel does not endorse taking the dictatorial route toward leadershp!
Approaches and strategies that can be useful for developing leadership skills are listed below. While every one is beneficial for becoming a more effective leader, several of the tips appeared on all the panelists' list of tips, making them particularly important.
- Take advantage of mentoring. Mentors play a critical role in helping new planners develop not only their professional skills, but also their leadership skills. Either find a person that you admire and ask that individual to become your mentor, or take advantage of any opportunities to obtain mentoring when it is offered.
- Be a problem solver. Make others look good. Help people find solutions to problems, rather than stating it isn't your problem or part of your job description.
- Accept change. You are more likely to get ahead if you are able to handle change with a minimum of stress. Try to get out in front of issues rather than spending time figuring out how to deal with change after the fact. Dare to be the person in the staff meeting that generates discussion about a new topic or a new angle on a project. Understand that change is not necessarily being done to you personally, so you can deal with it.
- Take risks. Stretch yourself professionally and intellectually. Think outside the box.
- Be a positive team player. Be somebody others want on their team. Motivate people around you with praise and enthusiasm. Take credit for your accomplishments, but don't be a braggart about it to the detriment of the team spirit.
- Learn the basic leadership skills at workshops, watching others, through readings. Take advantage of training sessions offered through continuing education programs and at conferences. If public speaking is difficult for you, join Toastmasters or a comparable organization that teaches speaking techniques. Observe those around you with leadership qualifies you respect, and emulate them. Read articles and books that depicts leadership techniques.
- Recognize it takes times and energy to be a leader. To lead, you must also follow through with commitments. It will require more time and energy, so be aware of that fact.
- Adopt a philosophy of optimism. Optimism is contagious. People tend to gravitate toward those that are enthusiastic about what they are doing, rather than being with the negative naysayers. Develop a 'can do' attitude, and learn to build on your successes.
- Understand politics. Find out where the action is, understand how internal and external politics work, and where you fit in.
- Look at the big picture. Learn how to convey vision and your convictions as part of the big picture that you operate in. Set goals, including the steps that need to be taken to obtain the goals.
- Have fun. Genuinely like others around you! Show you are interested in them, and help establish camaraderie within the office while you work toward your office's common goals.
- Sometimes life may be unfair. Let's face it: all offices are not created equally. Develop strong communication skills to best sell yourself and the planning profession. Don't get bitter if things are not going your way in the office. Instead, get even by doing things better. Expect acceptance and equal treatment, and act toward others accordingly.
- Get along with and reach out to others. Make it a point to reach out to difficult people. Be open and approachable with every one. Seek out the hesitant and ask for their participation and/or opinion. Listen respectfully and act interested to what is being said.
- Have a balanced life. Have other interests besides your job. Take time to be with your family and friends. Learning is life-long; enjoy that fact! Be true to yourself and to others. Plan your own future, and don't try to be like someone else who isn't you, just to get ahead. Odds are you won't like where you end up.
Conclusion
All panelists agree that life is to be enjoyed for every one of its aspects. By doing so, we gain a solid foundation to build upon. And with this strong foundation, one is more likely to be willing to take risks. Without taking those chances now and then, we would never know how much we are capable of --and, at the same time, how much fun it can be!
Joanne Garnett, AICP, County Planner
Sublette County Planning and Zoning Department, Wyoming