The Edge for April 2024
What are the key elements of good leadership? We asked New Jersey executives that question, and we got a wide range of answers, including treat people with respect, communicate clearly, and recognize that everyone is motivated differently. Read more below.
Treat People with Respect
Effective leadership is people-centered. Treating people with respect fosters trust, creates belonging and builds collaboration. When leaders value collaboration, you see increased innovation, higher-performing teams, and a more engaged and empowered workforce.
– Thomas W. Scott, President and CEO, CentraState Healthcare System
Always Listen. Motivation Can Come From Anywhere.
What every leader strives for is to relate well to their members, staff and stakeholders. Recognize that one-on-one connections and partner- and board-level discussions are all important, and provide insights. This is necessary since motivation and inspiration can come from anywhere and at any level.
– Aiysha (AJ) Johnson, CEO, NJ Society of CPAs
Be Clear. Be Strategic. Be Approachable.
Some of the most important ingredients of good leadership are clear and effective communication, strategic thinking, and approachability. A good leader needs to be able to deliver messages of all types, in a way that they are clearly understood. The leader also needs to be tuned in to the big picture, so that all decision making advances his or her organization’s strategic objectives. Finally, a good leader is someone people are confident they can approach with questions, thoughts, and suggestions, without any apprehension.
– Peter J. Torcicollo. Managing Director, Gibbons P.C.
Learn from Each Person You Encounter
Good leaders know that their minds aren’t limited by what they know today. Many of us have doubts from time to time, but what makes a good leader stand out is being able to identify and challenge their self-limiting beliefs. Doors can open once we stop telling ourselves that we’re too busy, or that our brains are “at capacity.” Clarity on the “why” is important. In addition to leaving others better off than they found them, good leaders can benefit from learning something from each person they encounter.
– Alberto Garofalo, president of Bank of America New Jersey
Create a Culture Where Employees Enjoy Coming to Work
Finding ways to engage your employees and creating a culture where your employees enjoy coming to work each day, will help you be an impactful leader. Don’t ask anyone to do something you can’t do yourself and always equip your team with the resources, training, and support they need to succeed. Lastly, be transparent about challenges and receptive to new ideas. It enables you to build trusting relationships with associates.
– Mike Munoz, SVP & Market President, AmeriHealth
Recognize that Everyone is Motivated Differently
Leadership must be enacted with specific objectives in mind and with recognition that everyone is motivated differently. The key is to understand what will influence each person. To me, the definition of good leadership is summed up best by the U.S. Army. It is “the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improve the organization.”
– Dennis M. Toft, Chair-Environmental Law Group, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi
Articulate the Why and Build Trust Through Words and Actions
Of all the key elements of effective leadership, communication is the glue that holds them together. Anyone can give orders, but a great leader articulates the “why” behind a directive and helps each person understand their role in reaching organizational goals. Clear communication goes hand-in-hand with trust. Building trust requires both effectively sharing your vision and ensuring that your team knows you have their back. Communication doesn’t happen solely by words; a leader’s actions demonstrate their commitment to their team’s success and well-being. It’s often through unspoken displays of selflessness that teams learn to trust their leaders.
– Stu Brereton, Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, Delta Dental of New Jersey
