In every aspect of our lives, we encounter leaders who shape our journey. Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge. Good leaders hold you accountable and push you to improve your skill set, while ensuring they listen to you and respect you. These are the tenets of good leadership, best exemplified by one of my most influential mentors, Randy Lazar.
Randy was a remarkable man. Standing tall, with a physique reminiscent of a basketball player, his physical presence was undeniable. Yet, it was his infectious laugh and profound wisdom that left an indelible imprint on those around him. Today, he's retired and living a contented life, cherishing moments with his grandchildren, indulging in his love for golf, and relishing refreshing swims. His legacy, however, continues to shape the paths of those who had the privilege to work with him.
Randy's leadership style was grounded in nurturing accountability. He didn't simply assign tasks; he helped you understand your role in the bigger picture. By holding you accountable, he compelled you to take ownership of your actions, fostering a strong sense of responsibility. But his expectations were never unidirectional; he was always there to support and guide you through challenges.
Simultaneously, Randy was an ardent advocate of continuous learning. He pushed his team to consistently expand their skill sets. In my case, it was Randy who inspired me to embrace training and public speaking. He had an uncanny ability to recognize hidden potential and didn't shy away from challenging you to step outside of your comfort zone to tap into it. As a result, you would find yourself achieving feats you'd never imagined possible, all thanks to Randy's unwavering faith in your abilities.
But what truly distinguished Randy as a leader was his attentiveness and respectfulness. He firmly believed that everyone, regardless of their role or experience, had valuable insights to offer. His trademark was his open-door policy, encouraging everyone to voice their thoughts and concerns. This approach was not only empowering but also fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.
One of Randy's unique practices was a weekly meeting ritual he titled "What was your good thing." This initiative provided an opportunity for each team member to share their accomplishments, insights, or positive experiences from the week. These moments fostered a positive work environment and boosted team morale. More importantly, it emphasized that every achievement, no matter how small, was valued. This tradition underscored a powerful message: leadership is not about celebrating grand victories alone, but appreciating the small steps that eventually lead to those victories.
Randy Lazar embodied the essence of good leadership. His attributes - accountability, constant learning, listening, and respectfulness - formed the core tenets of his leadership philosophy. His legacy serves as a constant reminder that effective leadership isn't about wielding authority but creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to reach their full potential.
So as we navigate our professional and personal lives, let's remember Randy's teachings. Let's hold ourselves and those around us accountable, push for continuous growth, listen to and respect others, and celebrate every good thing - big or small. For it's through such leadership that we can inspire and empower others, just as Randy did for so many of us.
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