Every Tuesday since late 2009, I have featured another leader in my 10 question interview series. You can read all of them HERE. I’ve enjoyed this series and while there are a few leaders I am still hoping to interview, I decided I wanted to hear from another great leader:
Y O U
You are a leader. If you are reading this post, you most likely are the type that others follow. You may not even know that you are a leader, but I can almost assure you that you are to someone. It could be employees, volunteers, friends or family, but someone is watching what you do and your influence in their life is changing the way they live. I call that leadership.
So today I’m interviewing YOU!
Here’s how it works. Copy and past these questions into a comment on this post and then answer the questions. It shouldn’t take long to answer each one. I’m anxious to hear your answers.
Answer well. I hope to choose some of them as feature posts on this blog. I can’t pick all of them and may not pick any, but if you are adding value in your answers for others, I may pick yours. (Please don’t be offended if I don’t use yours. It’s not an indication that you are not a good leader or had good answers, just that it didn’t necessarily register with me at the time.)
So, here are the questions….copy, paste, and answer:
If your comment is chosen for a guest post, I will share some general information about you before getting to the questions, such as position, church, and blog.
Questions:
- When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
- What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
- Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
- Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
- What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
- What is your greatest strength in leadership?
- What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
- What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
- What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
- If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Have you enjoyed the interview series?
Though the suspense is maintained through creating new questions and situations for the job aspirants, however, there are some questions that never change.
Questions:
1. When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
I never wanted to be a pastor because my dad was a pastor, bi-vocational actually, and it just seemed to be a hard life. I went to college to become a chemical engineer.
2. What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
I was Chuck-E-Cheese…the rat in the suit…or rather, the guy in the rat suit. I am still wondering how that helps me with shepherding others.
3. Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
My father, the pastor, took me everywhere with him pray for others, preach revivals, sing in groups, bail troubled teens out of juvenile detention, fight for his marriage, encourage his children. My dad was an awesome example I hope to be for my children and brothers on the journey of life.
4. Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
The Journey to Success by John Maxwell…led me to pursue my dream and clarify my calling.
5. What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
Relaxed, Empowering, Collaborative
6. What is your greatest strength in leadership?
Communication, vision-casting, releasing others
7. What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Practical steps, slow decision-making,
8. What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Let go of a staff report that I did not agree should be let go.
9. What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
My desire for inclusion of others is a mask for insecurity to be an independent leader.
10. If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that he may lift you up in due time." The time I've spent under senior leadership has prepared me for where God led me next and at the right season of my life and career God opened the door of opportunity for me. Wherever you are, stay humble.
Thanks for allowing us to answer these questions for you and others.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for taking the time to answer!
Great insight, but I knew yours would be!!!
1.When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
I had little direction in my life growing up… I simply wanted my own way. Never dreamed I would be a minister.
2.What’s the most different job you’ve had… how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
Making donuts – Lesson learned:
Hold on to opinions loosely and be teachable
3.Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
Richard Crotts, A pastor of a small church and now a missionary in Papua New Guinea. He taught me to sacrifice and what it was to care deeply for others. He was Authentic.
4.Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
Orbiting the Giant Hairball
5.What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
Believe in others
6.What is your greatest strength in leadership?
Valuing people more than the end product by inspiring team members to allow God to accomplish through them more than they ever dreamed possible.
7.What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
My passion for achieving can be interpreted as pushy and sometimes leads to intimidation.
8.What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Allow people to learn through their failures.
9.What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
People may think that I love saying “no” or killing an “Idea”
10.If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Intentionally invest in those you lead because God is preparing them for something He already has prepared for them. The really cool thing is that the leader gets to be part of helping equip other leaders for what God will use them to accomplish. Empower and then encourage.
1. When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
I dreamed of being a pilot since Jr High. Actually went to Lubbock Christian University with intentions of getting out and pursuing aviation school or military. During that time I had the chance to start working on my pilot's license and realize it was fun hobby, but I enjoyed being with people. I came alive after I was with people. However, sometimes I wonder what if…
2. What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
Working the summers in the oil field out in West Texas. My father wanted to teach me the value of true honest, hard work and the value of higher education. Well, needless to say after many days of sun up till sun down I am thankful for hardwork and believe that this is missing from many young males lives today.
3. Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
Leadership…I would say my grandfather. He was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in the late 70's and lived until 2000. He valued relationships and connecting with people. Without those qualities one cannot be a leader.
4. Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. I read this book in 2001 and it has impacted my life in many ways to this day. In fact I ordered a copy earlier this week to pass on to someone.
5. What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
I try to have focus, discipline, and perseverance.
6. What is your greatest strength in leadership?
Connecting.
7. What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Working through conflict.
8. What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Connecting others.
9. What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
That I am young and don't know a hill of beans. Well, he is in charge of the youth ministry…that is not the "real" ministry.
10. If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Stick it out longer than what your emotions tell you. Early on in leadership you will want to run and avoid the conflict, but the one who is able to dig down and fight for what matters will overcome.
I'm so appreciative of you for doing this. Still reading through them, but I look forward to learning from you.
Lantz, thanks for doing this. I'm still processing all the great responses.
1. When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
Before 8th grade, I wanted to be a professional football player. During 8th grade, I decided I wanted to do ministry.
2. What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now? Worked construction in college and at a factory in grad school. It caused me to fall in love with the idea of reaching blue-collar guys.
3. Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you? My two student pastors, Scott Stevens (currently at Lifeway in Nashville, TN) and Todd Brady (currently at FBC Paducah, KY), both sought me out and mentored me. They then led me to mentor other peers. It kept me focused throughout my teenage years.
4. Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry? Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. Real. Authentic. Unfinished. Amazing.
5. What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic? Calm. Creative. Thoughtful.
6. What is your greatest strength in leadership? I love people!
7. What is your greatest weakness in leadership? I keep a lot of what I'm thinking to myself which greatly hinders the team process.
8. What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership? Set aside time to think and dream.
9. What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have? That when I'm quiet, it's due to a lack of concern or interest. Sometimes I'm just thinking.
10. If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be? There is not one model of leadership. Courageously do what God wants you to do and people will follow you.
1. When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
Nope, because from the age of ten to twenty, I wanted to be an aerospace engineer.
2. What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
I was a field engineer for a civil engineering firm where I did layout of building sites for general contractors as well as doing soil density analysis for their foundation work.
As a teacher, that experience taught me the value of air conditioning, for one. ;^) In all seriousness, it taught me the actual, practical benefits of science and more advanced math in education as well as teaching me about people who are "below" me in terms of education and intelligence. In talking to so many labourers on jobs, when I told them I was trying to become a school teacher, they would all give me their stories of how they squandered their education when they were young, and are now paying for it when they are older.
3. Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
A gentleman I work with on staff on our ministry's district team has perhaps the greatest knack for identifying and putting leaders in a position to succeed. He just goes up to someone, tells them that they're in charge for something, and lets them fly.
4. Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
It's really odd to say, but "Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football (Soccer)" by David Winner. The thesis of the book is that the Dutch view of the game is a result of its struggle against the elements and their attempt to take land (space) back from the sea. It also tells the story of the golden age of Holland's greatest professional side in the early 1970s.
What I took from the book is that my unique view on life is a result of the continual attempt by me to find the space to be an individual in a society that pressures us to conform to popular opinion. In terms of leadership, Ajax's implosion in the mid 1970s was a result of the players thinking that their success was solely through their own means and had nothing to do with the manager's ability to keep their egos in check. Once they bounced their manager, their attempt at democracy in the locker room imploded because it became a contest between egos and unity was destroyed.
5. What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
"Problem-solver" "Meticulous" "Dedicated" People tend to say high-strung too!
6. What is your greatest strength in leadership?
The ability to be decisive, even in the face of opposition within the team.
7. What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Delegating authority. Plain and simple.
8. What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Convincing my team that I take charge not to get accolades for myself, but because a job needs to be done and I know how to get it done with everyone on the team's assistance. Once I get them behind me, they see that it's not talk, but I do take on leadership for that reason.
9. What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
I'm on our district's staff for our fellowship's boys ministry, and the biggest thing people joke with me about is that at our events I spend all of my time riding around on a golf cart with a clipboard, and look like I'm shooting the breeze with everyone in sight. What they don't see is that I shoot the breeze in order to get the pulse of the boots on the ground to make adjustments during events, as well as the fact that when they're in their bunks at 11PM, I still have 2-3 hours of work yet to do before I get to sleep. Simply put, having the keys to the golf cart comes at a cost.
10. If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
It's weird having a rather senior position and being so young, but we work on developing boys into leaders from such a young age that in many ways I've got a lot of miles under my belt as a leader. I always tell the boys in our young leader's conference that leadership isn't about telling someone what to do, but rather leading the way be being the best servant that you can be.
I was hoping to post these, but I can't verify the name/occupation/etc. Can you email me a short bio? [email protected] Thanks
Thanks for putting this on your blog also. I appreciate the comment
1. When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
When I was in high school I wanted to be an agricultural engineer. I grew up on a farm, loved farming and thought that would be an excellent career. Went to college and my track changed significantly. An aside, nothing like the sound of a John Deer 70!
2. What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
While I was in seminary I sold life insurance. I was pretty good at it. In fact one year I was # two sales person in the company and that was working part time at it. It taught me how to listen to what people's dreams and hopes were for their lives and families. It has helped me be a better listening in the ministries I have served in over the years.
3. Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
Although it has been from a distance it would have to be Bill Hybels. I first attended a Leadership Summit in 1998 and haven't missed one or one session of the Summit since. The summer of 1998 was a turning point for me. A lot of what I have learned in leadership has come through the Summit. I did read a book on Transformation Leadership about five years ago. The authors of the book made an observation about successful leaders having some management acumen. As a result I have become a HUGE fan of Manager-Tools.com! Mike & Mark know what their talking about, and their management podcasts have made me a better leader.
4. Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
Recently I'd have to say "Simple Church" by Tom Rainer. Our whole ministry has been changed as a result of our staff and elders reading this book. It has helped me personally realize that I can't do everything I'd like to do so need to pick & choose in ministry.
5. What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
Wholistic thinker, Strategist, Hard working, Compassionate.
6. What is your greatest strength in leadership?
I think I do an excellent job of leading in a collaborative manner. I'm not a dictatorial leader, but really want to lead from the middle of the pack helping my team be the best they can be. I love how Tim Stevens describes his role at Granger. That's what I want to be doing, resourcing the best ministry team in the world.
7. What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Like I've seen from many of the people that have been interviewed on Ron's blog, I tend to be a people pleaser. The other issue I struggle with is not having a penchant for detail. Sometimes that can come back to bite me when I haven't read a document like I should, or done the planning that is needed in a situation.
8. What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Give my direct reports negative feedback. No question about it. That is hard, but necessary.
9. What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
I think people have an impression that I have more power than I really posses. It really is a team matter, not me out there making decisions on my own that effect the future of the organization.
10. If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
I think it's important to be around other leaders and to read from other leaders. I read books and blogs on leadership and I try to hang around leaders. I follow them on twitter & Facebook.
Part 2 of 2
5. Slightly scattered, compassionate, diligent
6. I listen to what people say and have been known to change course.
7. I tend to be quite disorganized with physical stuff. My mind tends to be organized, though.
8. Deal with students who don't value education and don't see much value in doing academic work.
9. That I am too nice–I keep hearing that. I do not agree with that assessment–I let students be frank with me because what I am doing directly impacts their futures. They should have some say in what is happening. Besides, encouraging them to think and reason is a good thing.
10. Actually, I would give them two pieces of advice that go hand in hand. Don't be afraid to listen and don't be afraid of change.
Thanks for taking the time to interview leaders–great job!
Part 1 of 2
1. I'm pretty much doing what I thought I would do–I'm Mom to seven children and I'm teaching school. I have always loved children.
2. Back in 1969, I began working in a bank and I helped set their Master Card system–I worked summer and Christmas breaks there during college. I learned early on what a bad credit report can do to a person.
3. I would say my earthly father has helped me most because he made education the top priority for my life and he challenged me in debates which helped me to think quickly on my feet and to use reason.
4. The biography of Smith Wigglesworth taught me a huge lesson. As Smith became successful as a plumber, he started walking away from God while his wife Polly continued to faithfully attend church. One evening Smith was so upset, he locked the front door. Polly didn't get flustered–she just walked to the back door, came in, and laughed at her husband. That action broke the ice and Smith came back to the Lord and went on to have a tremendous world-wide ministry. The moral of this life experience has stuck with me: when I can't get in through the front door, I walk to the back door and go in.
You are a faithful commenter on my posts. I'll read these soon. I'm sure you have awesome answers as always.
Thanks for taking the time to answer these. I haven't read your answers yet, but I intend to later today! Thanks
1. an athlete, most likely a baseball player
2. owning a lawn care business. It taught me how to utilize my time and read financial statements
3. mostly self taught through books. Some of the leaders I have worked with showed me what not to do. Ronald Reagan was probably the first leader I followed
4. As A Man Thinketh
5. Detailed, Calm, Open
6. Being able to instill confidence in others.
7. expecting too much out of others
8. being first in line and setting the example even when I do not really want too.
9. Being quiet and calm at times give the perception of lacking in confidence. which is entirely not the case.
10. Change is inevitable, but self improvement is optional. If you want to rise above the crowd, you must grow as a person and a leader.
Got distracted this week, but I will read these comments. Thanks for taking time to answer them.
When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
Growing up I always wanted to be a missionary in Brazil. I always loved hearing the stories that these men and women had from the field. Then I changed my focus and wanted to be a cop. I went to school, trained, tested but I never passed the tests. The problem was, those were things I wanted to do, not exactly what God wanted. So no, I never dreamed of being a pastor.
What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
Every job I have ever had was way different than pastoring. Each job was one that you could see the work being done…stocking shelves in a store, restaurant work, working FedEx…everyone of them I could see the work being accomplished through out the day. Although I don't see the "work" being accomplished as quickly now, these past jobs have taught me that the work is still being done and that I must stick to it. Don't give up.
Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
Hands down, George Beers. He was a my pastor many years ago and has now continued to be a mentor to me now that I'm a pastor. He has taught me so much. Without him I would have been sunk in the mire of my self-absorbed life. George has shown me that the perspective of scripture is the only source of perspective that I need to be concerned about. Not what others think and certainly not even what I think.
Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
"If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat" by John Ortberg. This one book continues to challenge me. If I want to encounter Jesus face to face like Peter did, I have to move. It challenges me to encourage others to do the same. As I see those around me wanting more, but not willing to move more, I can share the simple truths from this book. I don't want to be one of the 11 still sitting in the boat. I want to see what would happen if all of us got out of the boat and started walking. Wow, a revolution that would start.
What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
Oh My Goodness!
No, just kidding….Relaxed, Real, Willing.
What is your greatest strength in leadership?
Humor. It may sound strange, but being people to feel relaxed and comfortable, you can speak so much more into their lives. Whether it's from the stage or from across the coffee cup. Being able to do this with any age group is something God has blessed me with. I'm not a stand-up comic, but just able to make people relax. God can use anything about us if we are willing to let Him.
What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Self-doubt by far. I second guess myself at every turn. Am I truly called to do this or that? Am I really the one who should be leading? Shouldn't someone else be doing this? Maybe I should second guess God on this vision He has given me.
This doubt can not only destroy the leader, but will eventually destroy those he leads…including your family.
What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Leading those who are older and wiser than me! Some of these people have been following Christ longer than I've been alive. Leading them through scripture and through life can be a real challenge. Pointing out areas that may need to change in their well established lives is rough at times. The key is, remembering that I am the one God has called to lead (not in arrogance), and that I will be doing those saints a disservice if I don't.
What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
That the money is good! Nah, just kidding.
I think the biggest misconception, if you will, is that I do things differently than other leaders they have been used too. The misconception comes when I am expected to do things in a way that has been the norm of the past. How I do things still works, still has a positive outcome, and is still Biblical…it's just different.
If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Hold tight to the word that God speaks to you. Write it down, never forget it, make it who you are and how you do things. Don't let anyone steal it from you. 10 years ago God called me to be His torch bearer…every part of who I am has been to become that.
Thanks for answering these It may take me a couple days, but I will read all of these comments.
Questions:
1.When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
Not at all – I am currently in IT. I wanted to be a classical musician: conducting, performing, and teaching.
2.What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
The most ‘different’ job I had was cleaning post-construction mobile homes after being transported and setup on lots. Lots of sawdust, metal shavings, screws and other things that break vacuum cleaners if not picked up beforehand. Getting those nasty stickers off windows and bathtubs was my least favorite part, and I can’t stand that lemony scent of GooGone to this day. This also was the most BORING work I’ve ever done. I did this job by myself and there was no one to talk to but the radio – we didn’t have cell phones back then. I think what it taught me the most was how to distract myself away from the actual work and find other ways to stay motivated in order to meet the expectation of getting the work done and being meticulous about it. It always felt great once I completed the job well and in a timely manner. The way this transfers into my current work as an IT Director is that it has taught me to develop clear goals up front, so that I always know what it is I’m shooting for in the end, because sometimes the work it takes to get there is no fun at all.
3.Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
I had a couple of Christian Professors over the past years that really challenged me to incorporate my Christian Worldview in practical ways – more than just asking WWJD but really integrating those principles as part of the everyday planning process.
4.Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership by James Hunter. This book simplified for me the servant leadership philosophy and importance of building relationships.
5.What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
Big picture person, positive attitude, problem solver
6.What is your greatest strength in leadership?
Growing and supporting my staff. I fully recognize that I do not have all the answers or even most of them, and am still learning my limits (the hard way, unfortunately). I’ve found that by growing others and equipping them, not only is the ‘mission’ supported but individuals are stretching themselves.
7.What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Delegating and asking for help.
8.What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Put myself last and often times leave the emotions at the door.
9.What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
That my position has the power to change the overall business model, when actually it is completely backwards… I can’t operate without a solid business model and vision in place to support.
10.If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Find other leaders and mentors with outstanding character and follow them. Fine-tune the skills you need to become decisive and practice them.
Questions:
1. When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
When I was a kid, it seemed I always wanted to be something different. For a while I wanted to be an artist, then a basketball player, an architect, and then something with computers. I do work in Information Technology, but I feel that my vocation will be changing again very soon into a role with the local church somehow.
2. What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
I am different from most IT people in that I really enjoy talking to people and getting to know them. I waited tables in high school and had fun interacting with all of the different customers.
3. Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
I had several mentor type people who had big influences on my leadership right out of high school and through college. Now I rely a lot on blogs such as this to learn from others.
4. Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
It is so tough to choose. If I had to pick one, I would say that "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson had a profound affect on me. That book really got me started on the path to chasing after my lion. I am still in the chase I think as I persue changing careers from corporate world to church world, and I often think of this book and how it inspired me. It has taught me to take risks again where I have become so much more conservative over the years.
5. What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
Relaxed, flexible, and purposeful
6. What is your greatest strength in leadership?
I just connect well with most people. I am extroverted and love to tell and listen to stories.
7. What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Procrastination – It is easy for me to drop doing something in order to do something that seems more urgent or important. Often those things seem to be non-work related and distract me from the tasks that are already on my plate. So I find myself playing catch up a lot. Often I choose to be more like Mary than like Martha. Jesus says this is a good choice, but it often affects the things that need to get done, but are not the end of the world.
8. What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
The hardest part of leadership for me is finding ways to refill myself. I have a hard time finding mentors who have something to invest in me. That is why I love blogs because there are people who can teach me something and challenge me who don't have time to sit down and have lunch with me from time to time. I can comment and ask questions and often get responses. It is unfortunately less personal than a real life discipleship relationship and therefore not tailored to my specific personality. I also can choose not to listen if I don't like what I am reading. So after pouring myself into others, sometimes it is tough for me to recover so that I can jump back in the game.
9. What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
I think that some people only see what is good about me, but do not see my flaws. I try to be as authentic as I can be, but often people only see me as bullet proof.
10. If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Plan on failing a lot, but don't stop trying things. The more you fail, the more you learn and great things will come from it.