Annual CityScope® Business Issue
Whether you’ve led a team for years or are new to a leadership role, leadership skills are an invaluable asset throughout a career. Here, we speak to local leaders who share the advice they would give to someone looking to develop their leadership skills.
The key to developing your leadership skills is finding a successful mentor and maintaining open, honest communication with them about what you hope to accomplish.
Through this relationship you’ll be able to gain new perspectives and learn in ways you hadn’t yet considered, and in turn, you’ll have a model for how to develop others. Ultimately, developing leaders is about creating and nurturing a supportive community.
I’m still on the journey of learning how to lead.
As a business owner with a team, this is something that is required of me but definitely doesn’t come naturally to me. I very much strive to be a servant leader and lead with confidence and empathy, while fostering a sense of collaboration amongst my team. The best advice I could give is to do a lot of self-reflection and surround yourself with people who challenge you and elevate you. Remember that the magic of growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Push yourself to embrace challenges as opportunities to evolve.
As a leader, it’s important to inspire others to aim for excellence and empower them to pursue their God-given potential.
Consider how you are cultivating not only your own growth but also the growth of those around you. Be authentic and aware of your strengths while surrounding yourself with individuals who complement those strengths. Communicate clearly and transparently, setting well-defined expectations. Seek knowledge continuously to improve and drive innovation. Be a visionary in crafting a strategic plan, gaining support from stakeholders with understandable, achievable milestones and timelines. Embrace best practices and lead by example through a strong work ethic, integrity, and values, inspiring others to model dedication and passion. Recognize your people as your greatest asset, investing in their development and well-being. Let your leadership be motivated by the needs of others, and as you lead others, remember to let God lead you.
I strongly believe in servant leadership.
Great leaders put the needs of others ahead of their own and work to serve those they lead. The motivation of servant leaders is one of team, family, and community, not of self. Leaders must lead with great humility and respect, knowing when to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their peers and when to step aside and let their team’s talent shine brightly. They must invite and embrace constructive feedback, in the same manner with which it is given. Mutual respect of the team is not some tangible item to be handed over based on promotion or title. Rather, it is earned through daily selfless interaction, empathy, and sacrifice of one’s own time and emotional energy. Leaders must always reflect compassion, resilience, encouragement, vision, and influence. Great leaders realize collaboration of the team collectively will always outperform the results of individuals.
My leadership style has been profoundly shaped by the culture and environment at NAI Charter.
I have been with this company for more than 20 years, beginning shortly after graduating from UTC. This longevity speaks volumes about the organization’s impact on my growth. For those seeking to develop their leadership skills, my advice is this: Choose an environment that nurtures your growth, led by a kind and empathetic leader who believes in your potential. As a young, introverted, and fresh-faced woman entering a business world where I knew no one, this support made all the difference. While I do not claim to have all the answers, nor believe I have reached the peak of my experience and learning, I am confident in my ability to continue evolving and growing as a leader.
The best leaders grow through mentorship and meaningful connections.
Serving as a leader is an incredibly rewarding experience but can sometimes feel isolating. Networking with colleagues in similar roles can provide the best support and enhance your leadership skills. Joining professional organizations helps you build a network of peers who can collaborate, brainstorm, and tackle challenges together. These professional communities provide invaluable resources and opportunities for ongoing professional growth. Additionally, finding a mentor is also vital when developing leadership skills. A mentor is a confidante and provides wisdom as a developing leader navigates new challenges. This relationship helps ensure a smoother transition into a new role.
Leadership has to be developed from example.
Many people starting out are concerned with where they work more so than who their manager is going to be. It needs to be the exact opposite. The interview process is a two-way street, so those wanting to develop need to interview their potential new boss in the same way they are being judged for their potential fit. Ask questions that will show this person’s approach to teaching, how they deliver criticism, and their approach to delegation. Ask them about their support style. If you work under a great developer, are open to critical feedback, and put in your fair share of the effort, there’s no way you won’t grow and thrive.
Developing leadership skills is a journey that requires intentional effort and practice.
When engaging with effective leaders, digest the characteristics displayed and be inquisitive as to how and why they are successful. Cultivate emotional intelligence by understanding and managing your emotions. Leaders will always be on the front line of adversity and difficult decision-making. This is crucial for aspiring leaders: Seek opportunities to take initiative, even in small tasks, to build confidence and decision-making skills. Superiors will take notice of your willingness to tackle small tasks and see the value in investing time and energy into your potential. Always seek mentorship, both formal and informal, from experienced leaders. Be adaptable and approachable; embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain open to feedback. Once you make an educated decision, be bold and execute. Leadership is about inspiring and guiding others to achieve shared goals while fostering a positive and supportive environment.
A successful leader must first recognize their own weaknesses and actively seek to address them.
Investing in personal development and continuous learning through books and podcasts provides valuable insights and strategies that enhance your leadership skills. I enjoy reading biographies and memoirs of business leaders I admire and trying to learn from their successes and failures. Admittedly, leadership books can seem redundant, but I have found they reinforce an intentional mindset. Effective leadership transcends hierarchy; it operates horizontally among peers and vertically across all levels of an organization. Always prioritize the success of your team. Empower colleagues by providing support, resources, and opportunities for growth. When you focus on lifting others, you cultivate a positive environment that drives collective achievement. Remember, true leadership is measured not just by your own success but by how effectively you can guide and elevate those around you. Embrace this holistic approach, and you’ll create a thriving, collaborative culture.
I am cautious to give any advice, especially leadership advice.
What I have found in my walk toward becoming a leader is to first understand the fundamentals. As a coach and athlete, I know that being a fundamentally sound player and coach is important. The greatest athlete or professional strives to get it right every day, even though they know perfection in every situation is unattainable. You cannot live your vision or purpose fully, without having the strength to face struggles and know which struggles matter. In other words, focus only on what matters most and lead others to believe in your vision. I believe that knowledge about processes can be learned, but wisdom comes from experience and showing up every day with unwavering integrity. One’s real character shows up when the chips are down. Leadership for me is when vision, purpose, character, and integrity all line up intentionally.
Leadership does not require a title, as it is far more than the overt act of being at the head of an organization or being “first.”
In its purest form, leadership requires integrity coupled with a desire to help others overcome challenges and adversity. Leaders listen to the experiences of others while leaning on their own life experiences to create a shared vision for success. Effective leaders are open-minded, creative, and inspire trust by pursuing solutions for the good of the whole.
In leadership, crucial skills include listening, staying curious, and being resilient.
Honing these skills has shaped leadership effectiveness throughout my career. Listening, really listening, is one of the most underestimated skills in leadership. Early in my career, I realized that when I listened to understand, solutions emerged that I could never have come up with on my own. Staying curious encourages lifelong learning. In healthcare, where innovation and change happen almost daily, staying curious has been one of the most important habits I have cultivated. The humility to continue learning and seeking advice from valued colleagues also provides the courage to trust our team. Resilience is what keeps us standing when the world shakes. It allows us to take one more step when every part of us wants to quit. It’s not about being invincible; it’s about being unshakeable in our commitment to keep moving forward.
Leadership is more than just managing people – to me, it’s about setting an example and inspiring those around you in an effort to help elevate them to achieve great things.
To develop as a leader, one must focus on continuous learning and self-awareness. They should seek out feedback regularly, not just from mentors but also from peers and team members. Great leaders listen more than they speak to understand the needs of their team and to find ways to help others thrive. A leader builds trust through consistency and integrity, and they are not afraid to take calculated risks or admit when they make mistakes. Finally, embrace opportunities for growth, whether it’s taking on challenging projects, mentoring others, or expanding your knowledge in areas outside your comfort zone. Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s a journey of growth, resilience, and impact, and if it’s done correctly, it can be incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.
Former Tennessee Senator and United States Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker was famous for the adage, “You should always go through life working on the assumption that the other guy might be right.”
Senator Baker is one of Tennessee’s most storied leaders, and I think he was on to something important. The best leaders think of themselves as partners with their teams – talking less and listening to their unique and varied ideas. Simply put, the best leaders must be good listeners. Listening goes beyond simply engaging in conversation: It’s a crucial skill that fosters trust, builds relationships, brings new ideas to light, and is rooted in the humble reality that none of us has a corner on all knowledge. We lead far better when we consider the opinions, perspectives, and wisdom of others.
Start by being a curious learner so that you know you can add value when it’s your turn to lead.
Too many people in leadership roles are certain they are right, rather than in pursuit of the best idea. Commit to core values so you are consistent and people will trust you. Especially in politics, if you try to be all things to all people, no one will trust you. Work to develop empathy by putting yourself in the shoes of others and trying to understand their perspective. Curiosity, core values, and empathy will prepare you for the defining moments of leadership: knowing when to stand your ground. Great leaders have a sense of which battles to fight and are willing to stand firm when the going gets tough.
Leaders move people to action – that can be convincing your kids to do their chores or getting your co-workers excited about surpassing a quarterly goal.
You don’t need a fancy title or a specific job to work on those skills. Lead by example, by doing the hard work, and be willing to make difficult decisions. Leaders speak up, and they are wiling to make unpopular decisions and even risk being wrong. Better to make a mistake and learn from it than stay on the sidelines. They share recognition for the wins with the whole team and take the blame when they make mistakes. Once you have a habit of thinking and working this way, it will become a natural next step for you to act, think, and contribute as a leader.
So much about politics is local.
Get to know your elected officials and the political process, from the school board to the state house. Business leaders have all the ingredients to be meaningful contributors to the political process. Active participation and relationship building can help influence policy, enhance economic development, and create stronger places to live and work. You’ll be surprised to find out how much your input and participation is welcomed. Governments depend on their constituents for expertise and trusted advice, and business leaders are uniquely positioned to give insight into the impact of policies on communities.
True leadership lies in seeking knowledge and virtue, not personal gain or self-aggrandizement.
Developing leadership skills starts with fostering self-awareness, understanding your strengths and weaknesses and how your actions affect others. Leaders must first clarify the accomplishments sought and the roles of each member of the team necessary to succeed in every endeavor. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to shy away from. Observing and learning from successful leaders around you can provide valuable perspectives on ways to improve your own leadership style. My belief is that a trait of brevity brings clarity while verbosity brings obfuscation. Fewer words delivered softly are more impactful than more words delivered repeatedly.
To develop your leadership skills, embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement.
Begin by reading or listening to a diverse range of materials on leadership – not just the compelling stories of military leaders like Navy SEALs or generals but also insights from academia and the private sector. A broad perspective will deepen your understanding of leadership’s many facets. Next, seek out challenges. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Taking on difficult assignments or navigating demanding environments will sharpen your abilities and build resilience. If leadership feels easy, you may not be stretching yourself enough. Finally, redefine your relationship with failure. Rather than fearing it, view failure as a stepping stone to improvement. Each setback offers valuable lessons that can make you a stronger leader. Success lies in perseverance, reflection, and the commitment to keep moving forward.
One of the best ways to develop your skills as a leader is by seeking guidance from those you admire.
When you identify someone with a skill you want to develop, don’t hesitate to ask them for direction. Seeking their insight makes you a stronger, more coachable leader. Remember that leadership is a journey of continuous growth, so don’t be afraid to take on new challenges and put yourself out there. Flexibility and a willingness to learn are key to unlocking your full leadership potential.
In my experience, the best leaders know where they want to go but are flexible with how they get there.
They anticipate, plan for, and even enjoy the zig-zag, up-and-down path it can sometimes take to reach the destination. From the outside, many leaders often look like they have been on a steady glide path to success, but hidden in that veneer are a lot of very challenging days that most people cannot see. While no one has ever mistaken me for a U.S. Marine, I think the adage “improvise, adapt, overcome” can be really helpful for any leader who is trying to make a meaningful difference in uncharted territory.
My advice for developing leadership skills is to embrace change and prioritize self-reflection.
Understanding what your team values and leveraging their strengths requires awareness, empathy, and strategic thinking. By learning what motivates each team member, you can inspire them to perform at their best while helping them feel valued and connected to the team. Growing these skills involves engaging with diverse groups of people, which strengthens your ability to effectively interact with different personality types. Leaders are forever students. We must continue to learn and bridge the gap as we connect and work with all generations.
My advice for someone who wants to develop their leadership skills would be fourfold:
Leadership effectiveness hinges primarily on making wise decisions and the willingness to dig in, learning to lead by doing. If you are a true leader, you won’t need to find opportunities to lead; they will find you.
Leadership is not about titles or positions, but it is about action and example.
One way to develop your leadership skills is to start by listening more than you speak. You must fully understand the needs and aspirations of your team and empower them to achieve their best. Also, be willing to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never shy away from making tough decisions. It’s imperative to cultivate a sense of empathy, as it builds trust and fosters a positive environment. Remember, a great leader is also a lifelong learner. You should strive to seek feedback, stay curious, and continuously improve. Aim to lead with integrity and inspire others through your commitment and passion. It is important to understand that your journey as a leader is a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient and persistent. Ultimately, true leadership is about serving others and making a meaningful impact.
I encourage up-and-coming leaders to find methods to develop strong soft skills, which are attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.
With the heavy presence of technology in our culture, robust communication skills in particular are dwindling among today’s emerging leaders. I often remind my faculty, staff, and students that God created us for relationships with Him and with others. Communication plays a vital role in growing and maintaining both personal and professional relationships. Communication as a leader encompasses many different areas to include collaboration, problem solving, listening, and even storytelling, to name a few. All are essential to leading a successful and growing organization. Finding a trustworthy, dynamic mentor who will help you grow in this important area is one of the most strategic ways to garner these valuable skills and take you to the next level.
Find opportunities to lead, big or small.
Empathy, sacrifice, and servant leadership can only be achieved by trying (and failing) to lead and improving over time.
Find mentors, podcasts, and books to learn from. I was fortunate enough to observe my dad lead his business for decades and also be raised in the internet age where education is just a click away (and often free). “How I Built This,” “Acquired,” and “The Tim Ferris Show” are great podcasts to hear real stories from successful leaders. “Start Something That Matters,” “Willpower Doesn’t Work,” and “Unreasonable Hospitality” are books that offer insight on empathic and values-based leadership.
If you are a leader, be transparent with your team and be willing to accept honest feedback. Building a safe space and reputation as a listener is a constant challenge that evolves over time.
Developing leadership skills takes time, practice, and self-awareness.
Leadership is not just about holding a position of authority. It’s about influencing, inspiring, and guiding others towards a shared goal. A great leader leads by example, demonstrating discipline, accountability, and strong work ethic. Set high standards for yourself and demonstrate the work ethic and integrity you expect from others. Manage your emotions, stay composed under pressure, and show empathy towards others to build trust. Own your decisions, admit mistakes, and learn from them rather than making excuses. More importantly, encourage honest input from peers and team members, and use constructive criticism to grow and improve. Always strive to study leadership books, attend workshops, seek mentorship, and learn from experienced leaders to refine your skills. Consistently practicing these habits will help you become a more effective and inspiring leader.
One of the best assets an organization has is its people and the relationships between them.
If leaders don’t have insight into how to collaborate, nobody will pay attention or be motivated. On a recent Cadence Bank “In Good Companies” podcast, neuropsychologist and bestselling author Dr. Julia DiGangi says studies show good leadership starts with the brain. Our brains love patterns and struggle with inconsistency and uncertainty. When you’re feeling stressed and are having a hard time communicating or managing your team, its likely you’re feeling uncertain. Your reflex might be to work longer hours, micromanage projects, or overanalyze. But that’s not the right way to go. Dr. DiGangi says it’s when we address our uncertainties, get a handle on our emotions, and communicate from a place of authenticity that we put ourselves in a position to lead. Understanding who you are and how you’re coming across is a leadership skill that builds collaboration and results.
A leader seeks a successful mentor and listens; a great leader becomes a mentor and speaks.
Leadership is finding ways to allow others to shine alongside you. There is always enough shine to go around. Effective leaders are able to articulate a clear vision and then inspire others to enact that vision. Leadership is not for the weak nor for the overly sensitive, but rather for the person who, in spite of obstacles or fear, embraces courage and takes the first step. One step turns into steps and then the stride comes.
