Last month I was invited to speak to a local leadership class in my role as mayor. These engagements provide a chance to share some details about how our municipal government works, my leadership experiences (the good, the bad, and the ugly) – and if I’m doing it right, and leave folks with a little inspiration about their ability to lead, from wherever they are in life.
Did you know there are more than 57,000 books on Amazon with “leadership” somewhere in the title? To say that there are a few thoughts about what makes good, or even great, leadership is an understatement. As town council continues to tackle complex policy decisions from the dais in the coming months, I want to offer some insight into two of the most important leadership characteristics, in my opinion, that I believe should guide our approach.
To say it simply: Humility and civility matter. Great leaders don’t tear others down to build up something. Great leadership, the kind that sets the stage for effective and long-lasting decisions that do right for most people, that incorporates multiple viewpoints, and that demonstrates compassion for those whose shoes you haven’t walked in, is also self-aware.
Great leaders recognize that problems or challenges are often more intricate than any one person’s ability to solve. They balance time, knowledge, and the need for more of both before deciding what to do, especially given the pace and fluidity with which things can change. That’s not “analysis paralysis.” That is understanding policy decisions need to be driven by specific goals, evidence, research, feedback, and a willingness to change your mind once you’ve learned more.
Great leaders don’t just point out the problems respectfully, they show up with solutions. They recalibrate when they understand that unintended consequences changed the intended outcome. Great leaders never have all the answers, but they are willing to go to responsible ends to find them, customize them, and think critically before presuming to know the best path forward. They learn. They teach. They are vulnerable and do their best with the information they have.
Great leaders put the needs of those they serve ahead of personal agendas, desires, and beliefs.
Hilton Head Island as we know it right now is the culmination of some great leadership choices, from stewardship of the land by indigenous cultures and the Gullah community, to Charles Fraser’s visionary planned development leadership – all of which continue to inform who we are as a town. And yes, some of the challenges we face today are the result of some not-so-great decisions over time. But Hilton Head Island belongs to us all – residents, businesses, and visitors – and I want you to know that your town council is proud of that.
As we move forward, it’s going to take more than strength, decisiveness, vision, and action for us as your leaders to do what’s in the best interest of our community as a whole; we must also lead from a place of civility and humility that doesn’t fuel a fire of negativity, finger-pointing, disinformation, and divisiveness. Those who lead with fire end up destroying the very thing they seek to improve, whereas great leaders build solutions and address challenges from a civil and humble foundation.