3 a.m. Thoughts

Stephanie Specchio, the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce's Director of Marketing and Communications, offers her third in an ongoing series of columns. She will provide insights from the Chamber periodically.

By Stephanie Specchio

SCHUYLER COUNTY, March 18, 2022 -- Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Concerned citizens who change the world are clearly leaders. As I look around, it seems like we might need more leaders in all corners of life. More to the point, we need leaders who are purpose-driven, resourceful, inspiring and empathetic. Fancy titles are optional.

I’ve experienced people who lead with an iron fist. I’ve also come across leaders who would have trouble finding a decision in a paper bag. I imagine we all have. Effective leaders aim to influence. How they attempt to accomplish that almost always determines their success.

In my mind, effective leaders influence by tapping several skills, actions, and attitudes. They are laser-focused on their organization’s mission and ensure all efforts and all resources are aligned to support that intent. One of my former supervisors used to frequently remind his team that he needed us to push the same rock up the same hill. He expected collaboration before it was trendy!

Effective leaders frequently come to the table with more questions than answers. In so doing, they invite participation (which builds consensus and inspires), and they strategically leverage resources -- people, technology, history, data -- that can answer all the questions raised ... their questions and questions posed by their team.

A sometimes-overlooked aspect of leadership is empathy. This interpersonal skill is critical to building and sustaining meaningful relationships. Empathetic leaders are role models with the power and persona to teach those around them impactful strategies for engaging with others, in all aspects of life and at all levels of the organization.

The Business and Education Committee at the Chamber will soon begin working on the 2022 Leadership Schuyler Program. I’m excited to see where this year’s program goes!

Photo in text: Stephanie Specchio

For Stephanie Specchio's first column, click here.
For Stephanie Specchio's second column, click here.