Reflecting on 10 years: Relationships matter
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This month marks ten years that I have been leading the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series. Like most anniversaries with nice round numbers, it has caused me to pause and reflect. There are so many incredible leaders doing critical work across Indiana, and I have been privileged to have a front row seat to witness the impact of many of them. If I had to sum up my observations from the past decade in a few words, it would be this: relationships matter.
Relationships matter, especially in leadership. Relationships are more than transactions. Relationships can’t be measured only by the number of contacts in your phone. I’m talking about authentic relationships where we want to know more about a person than just what they can do for us.
Leaders must be prepared, willing and equipped to lead their entire community, not just the segment of the population that looks like them, thinks like them, or agrees with them. Leaders have to want to make things better…for everyone. In a national election year which promises to be divisive, we need to be even more intentional in evaluating ourselves and our actions. As leaders, we must ask ourselves: Are the contributions we are making through our work part of the problem or part of the solution? Are the words we use in our conversations strengthening or weakening the fabric of our society? Are we making our environment – our state, our company, our neighborhood – better or worse? I’ll be blunt. To truly call yourself a leader, you can’t act in ways that further division or only serve to reinforce your internal echo chamber. Leaders must hold themselves to a higher standard.
I firmly believe that one of the most valuable assets for any leader is the ability to cultivate a learning mindset – a willingness to approach people and situations with curiosity and with a genuine desire to learn and understand other perspectives. Leaders must be intentional about respecting and valuing diverse voices in their communities. Notice I didn’t say leaders must agree with all perspectives. However, it is imperative that we build a culture where respect and trust can thrive even where agreement cannot.
No matter what part of the state you live in, or sector you are part of, or industry you work in, you will be a better leader if you invest in authentic relationships with people who have a different experience than your own.
One of the best ways to build connections with those outside your current sphere is to volunteer with a nonprofit organization. You will meet people who you may never have met otherwise. Volunteer opportunities range from a single shift to multi-year commitments, from virtual to in-person, from physical labor to event planning. No matter your experience or interests, I promise there is a nonprofit who will gladly put your time and talents to good use.
Here are a few helpful resources to help you get started:
- The Indiana Sports Corp hosts incredible events every year. This year’s slate includes the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for swimming in June and the Big Ten Football Championship in December. Their events depend on volunteers, some showing up for a single afternoon and others serving on planning committees for an extended period of time. Visit their website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
- Our annual Get on Board event in June will feature more than 100 nonprofit organizations who are looking to fill volunteer leadership roles, representing a wide range of locations, causes and needs. Stop in to this free event, visit the booths and learn more about opportunities to get involved.
Relationships matter. A simple belief that can have an enormous impact. Take some time today to reflect on your business, your network and your social group and consider ways to broaden that circle. Our community – and your leadership – will be better for it.