A511.1.3.RB_DiazBrian

The person that inspires me most is my director (most likely unbeknownst to him).  I have actually had the pleasure of growing up with this individual and we have been friends since childhood.  We remained friends over time and distance.  We would often go very long periods of time without speaking to one another.  However whenever we would see each other it was like we always picked up as if we hadn't missed any time apart.  We have been there for each others weddings and have been there when our children were born.

When I was off living a pretty care-free life without any direction he was in college.  When I was content with only having an AA degree he was working on his Master's.  Professionally he is much (much) further along in his professional life than I am.  He is now preparing to defend his dissertation an will earn his doctorate in the next year.  He has accomplished all of this while raising 3 beautiful children along with his wife.  While working as a paralegal he reached out to me when an opportunity was available at the university he felt I would be a great fit for.  I applied, interviewed with my supervisor (as well as my entire team) and accepted a position with the university.

As a part of the organization I was impressed at the scope of the responsibilities he has.  He is highly respected, extremely dedicated, and genuine in his role as a leader.  What is so impressive is the fact that despite all of his responsibilities as a parent, the level of dedication to his role is amazing.  He typically works 50-60 hour weeks.  He is the first one to work and usually the last to leave.  He is accessible to all of his employees and is always willing to speak with anyone if there is an issue.  I felt inspired from the very first departmental meeting I was a part of.  Here I am in a meeting with someone who I would play with as a child.  Surreal experience to say the least.

So what sets managers apart from leaders?  What makes my director in my opinion an inspirational leader?  Yukl wrote "leaders and managers differ with regard to their values and personalities.  Managers value stability, order, and efficiency, and they are impersonal, risk-averse, and focused on short-term results.  Leaders value flexibility, innovation, and adaptation; they care about people as well as economic outcomes, and they have a long-term perspective with regard to objectives and strategies." (p. 6).  The latter would describe my director.  His vision, dedication, and demeanor makes everyone under his direction motivated to accomplish the goals he sets for our departments.  I believe this figure is a good representation of the difference between a manager and a leader. 

Simon Sinek's How Great Leaders Inspire Action video was thought provoking.  I never considered how effective communication could be delivered from the inside out.  He posed the question "Why?"  Why is it Apple sells products more effectively than Dell?  Why does Apple seem to resonate with the masses and in doing so become so successful?  Sinek asserts that it's because "People don't buy 'what' you do.  They buy why you do it."  He also notes that the "goal is to do business with people who believe in what you believe."  I am an Apple lover and this philosophy completely makes sense to me.  The "why" controls our decision making.  It is the reason I own and iPhone, an iPad, an Apple TV.  I need these devices because they make my life easier, they allow me to connect with people, and I can use them whenever I want.  The "why" of leadership is important to consider because as a leader you want to work with those that believe what you believe.  I think it is important to work with an organization that shares like minded values and beliefs.

In the past I worked for a company that sold computer software.  I was paid more money than I had ever made in my life.  I got to the travel the country and worked with people I liked.  But as I become more familiar with their practices I discovered they were a dishonest company that took advantage of its clients.  I came to an ethical crossroads because of my values.  After working there for a few months I resigned.  The company was run by managers whose only goal was to make money regardless of the implication.  I learned a valuable lesson from that experience. Real leaders evoke inspiration.  Sinek said that "Those who lead us inspire us.  We follow them because we want to not because we need to."  I did not feel comfortable following the management of this company and regardless of the money I made I never regretted my decision.  I am thankful that I now work for an organization that truly values genuine leadership.

Sinek, S. (2009). How Great Leaders Inspire Action. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA&feature=share&list=PL42F8562DCD3CCEA8 

Yukl, G. A. (2013). Leadership in organizations (8th ed.). Boston: Pearson.