.svg)
"A leader’s job is to look for potential in their team; a team member’s job is to look for potential in themselves and share that with their leader. If you wait for people to recognize you and for an opportunity to present itself to you, you’re going to be waiting a long time."
In this episode, Mindy chats with Gary Gregory about leadership insights he has gleaned throughout his career. Gregory first reflects on some of the most valuable leadership lessons he has learned, which include trying to see the big picture rather than what is right in front of you, and always working hard to do more than is expected or asked of you. He also recognizes common pitfalls of new leaders, including “coming in hot” to effect change without taking the time to truly connect with your team, as well as taking a transactional leadership approach which is just about checking boxes.
Rather than being a transactional leader, Gregory stresses the importance of developing yourself into a transformational leader. This includes a focus on internal leadership—which entails personal growth, finding mentors, reading, attending webinars—combined with external leadership—which is when you take that growth and share it with your team. Redirecting team members when it is called for, supporting rather than punishing, and showing appreciation for hard work and milestones are all ways to promote leadership from within and to become a veritable leadership factory.
Finally, Gregory and Mindy discuss the leaders who are inspiring them today. These include well-known industry names, but he also finds value in rising leaders who are transparent and share their journey along the way. Gregory concludes by noting how each individual is born with special gifts, but it is a choice that we all must make to develop that gift and to always keep learning.