Stories in the News: On Leadership

The Washington Post has some inspiring video interviews on their site as part of an Emmy winning short video series entitled On Leadership. In one to two minute video interviews, successful and prominent individuals were asked to share their thoughts on being a leader. Many chose to share defining moments in their careers which enhanced their outlook on how to lead.

An IBG personal favorite in this series is from Alice Rivlin, an economist, a former U.S. Cabinet official, and member of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. She offers wise advice on the topic of being a leader and also includes, “men say dumb things all the time and you shouldn’t worry about that.” A lady after our own hearts!

Other interview highlights include Nancy Brinker, founder and CEO of the Susan G Komen Foundation and author Jim Kouzes. To see all the interviews over on The Washington Post, click here.

IBG wanted to add to this leadership discourse so our own CEO Danielle Turchiano shared her thoughts on leadership:

What does leadership mean to you?

Being a leader isn’t about telling people what to do but rather setting an example for a productive kind of behavior and attitude. Personally, I think being a leader means being able to articulate tasks to others but then stepping back and trusting them to carry out the tasks both professionally and efficiently. Adaptability is probably the most important quality to have as a leader of anything, especially because everyone’s personality and pace is different. Most importantly, though, leadership means inspiring change– whether its individual or on a larger social scale.

Have you ever gotten a piece of advice on leadership which has stuck with you?

There was a moment when I was eight or nine and was asked to stay after school for a minute. I can’t remember exactly what the scenario was surrounding the event, but I know the gist was a friend of mine had gotten in trouble for something and ratted me out as the mastermind. Whatever it was, I had convinced my friend to do the dirty work so I wouldn’t be the one to get in trouble. My third grade teacher basically pulled me aside, and without really judging me, told me I had to be really careful about what I said and did because other kids were looking to me as a leader and would be influenced by me. It wasn’t any explicit, direct discussion of what being a leader meant, but it was the first time I was ever called one. It was the first time in general I really considered the idea that someone other than me was paying attention to me– that someone could be looking to me for an example or guidance or direction. I decided I liked the idea of being a leader; I just had to decide what kind of leader I wanted to be.

Now, it’s your turn. Tell us, what does leadership mean to you?

Let us know in the comments below or over on Twitter or Facebook!