Happy New Year! Out with the old, in with the new! Before we all go charging into 2024 with new ideas about leadership and teamwork, let’s take a moment to reflect on the year just past. Cataloging our triumphs…and examining our defeats…reinforces our strengths and informs our weaknesses. There is great value in revisiting those leadership attributes that have led to success. Instead of starting with a clean slate, let’s build on our past achievements, our skills and knowledge base, our hard-won wisdom.

As you look back on 2023, what were the major projects or improvements you and your team tackled this past year? Which were successful? Take a deep dive to identify the whys of those successes. Add your own success qualifiers to fully understand what your team and you as a leader bring to the table for 2024.

Here are some items to get you started:

• Was it a quantifiable success?
• Was it a timely success?
• Is it a project that still yields benefits to your organization or to team members?
• Which of your leadership skills were integral to this challenge? For instance
  • Decisiveness
  • Integrity
  • Communication
  • Problem solving

What were the leadership highlights?

• Creativity
• Flexibility
• Relationship building

Now take the time to evaluate the team. What skills or attributes did each team member bring to the project that led to success? How could they work better together? If you need to add to the team, either to grow it or to replace someone, what are the key skills and personality traits you want to fill that position with regards to the rest of the team?

The results of this deep dive give you a template for future projects. Of course, areas that need improvement probably came to mind during this exercise. Note those as well. Think about the team you have going forward. Which of their skills are underutilized? Can an individual or the team as a whole benefit from new resources? Training? Shifting their position or responsibilities? If, like so many of us, you need to fill a position, what are the skill or personality gaps?

This immersive review gives you an idea of the areas you need to improve upon, and as an added bonus, gives you a dynamic basis for individual team member reviews.

Before tackling how to improve in the coming year, give yourself the time and space to appreciate everything you are. This has become my morning mantra, paraphrased from “Undeniably Fierce Morning Manifesto” by Jennifer Ransaw Smith, founder of Personal Elevation Lab:

Bring your full self to the world.  Think of your stories. The countless wins. Those dues you’ve already paid. You are undeniably fierce! There is no one else who has the exact mixture of talent, skills, education, experience, creativity, successes, failures, background, life perspective or je ne sais quoi. You are an undeniable asset to every team, project and organization. Know your worth and except nothing less from the universe!

Looking for an immersive experience in leadership development or to develop leadership skills for a team member? Consider Leadership La Plata this year. Check out www.LeadershipLaPlata.org for more information.

Beth Porter is the Senior Marketing Consultant with Four Corners Broadcasting and an alumni of Leadership La Plata Class of 2015-2016.

Monthly Sponsor:

To pay your dues, please do one of the following:

• To pay your 2024 dues click here. (click “Register” below the price chart. Yes, it will refer to you as an “Attendee” and refer to your payment as your “Registration.” That’s right!)  
  
• Mail a check in the amount of $45 (+ any amount of donation if desired) to Durango Chamber (include “LLP Alumni Dues” on the memo line), P.O. Box 2587, Durango, CO 81302

Your dues provide scholarships and financial assistance to new class members and support the creation of alumni events and programs. In the past year, these are some of the engaging activities that we have facilitated:

• LLP Alumni hosted a Beer and Food Pairing event in April at Steamworks 
• LLP Alumni volunteered at Brewfest to help set up for the event in August
• The highly anticipated return of the LLP Kitchen event was held in September 
• The annual Meet and Greet for the 2023-2024 LLP Class was held at Steamworks in September
• The collaborative Volunteer Day was in October with YPODs and Chamber Diplomats at the Manna Soup Kitchen Garden

Upcoming Alumni Events in 2024 and Reasons to Celebrate:

• The Class of 2023-2024 is well underway, follow them on the LLP Facebook or Instagram pages
• Stay tuned for the date of our popular annual Tasting and Food Pairing event! 
• The annual fall Volunteer Day will continue 
• The new class Meet and Greet will welcome the class of 2025
• Let us know if you’d like to see or support a particular event! 
  

Interested in joining an LLP Committee? Please contact Janae Hunderman at [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support!
Nora Stafford and Suzanne Serianni 
LLP Alumni Committee Co-Chairs
Janae Hunderman
LLP Steering Committee Chair

Written by Stacy Reuille-Dupont, PhD

In the world of business and management, the terms "leader" and "boss" are often used interchangeably. A closer look reveals a stark difference between the two roles. It's crucial to understand that being a leader is distinct from being a boss. Let’s delve into what sets great leaders apart from those who merely hold a position of authority.

At first glance, a boss is someone who holds a position of authority and is tasked with giving orders and directives. They are often associated with a top-down management style where decisions flow from the top and must be followed without question. While being a boss certainly implies having control, it does not necessarily translate into effective leadership.

Conversely, being a leader extends far beyond authority and hierarchy. A leader is someone who can influence and impact others positively. Leaders have the ability to motivate, inspire, and empower their team members to get things done. They possess the capacity to create an environment that encourages collaboration, fosters creativity, and establishes a sense of community among a group of individuals who might otherwise not naturally form such a bond.

One of the key differences between being a boss and being a leader lies in the approach to getting things done. A boss often resorts to telling people what to do, with the expectation that their subordinates will comply. However, compliance does not necessarily translate into commitment or enthusiasm. It's important to recognize that when people are only driven by orders and directives, they may not give their best effort. Their actions may be driven by fear, obligation, or a desire to avoid repercussions, rather than genuine enthusiasm for the task at hand.

On the other hand, a leader focuses on inspiring and motivating their team. They lead by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic, dedication, and a clear vision. Instead of commanding, leaders communicate their goals and the "why" behind them. This clarity helps team members understand the purpose and significance of their work, which can be a powerful motivator. Leaders create an environment in which people feel valued, supported, and inspired to contribute their best efforts.

Furthermore, leaders are skilled in building relationships. They take the time to get to know their team members, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and provide the necessary support and guidance. This personalized approach fosters trust and loyalty among the team, as they feel that their leader genuinely cares about their success and well-being.

A leader's ability to listen, empathize, and offer constructive feedback is a vital part of the leadership equation. They encourage open communication, creating a safe space for team members to express their ideas and concerns. This approach not only strengthens the bond between the leader and the team but also promotes creativity and innovation.

In contrast, a boss often relies on a more authoritarian style, where feedback is limited to evaluation and criticism. Such an approach can stifle creativity and prevent team members from taking risks, as they fear negative repercussions.

In summary, being a leader is fundamentally different from being a boss. While a boss may have the power to give orders, a leader has the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower their team. A leader fosters a sense of community, collaboration, and commitment, while a boss may elicit compliance through fear or obligation.

In today's dynamic and evolving workplace, true leadership is more valuable than ever. Aspiring to be a leader rather than just a boss can have a profound impact on measures of success.

If you are not sure if you are a boss or a true leader, it is time for you to check out Leadership La Plata. In this year long course you explore the differences and learn to navigate your personal style of impact and influence on those around you.

LLP Leadership Development
Oct 2023
Written by Stacy Reuille-Dupont, PhD
In the ever-evolving world of leadership, one thing is clear: everyone has their unique style when it comes to leading teams. This month, I got to have a fascinating chat with ’08-’09 LLP grad Kerry Siggins who spilled the beans on her social style, how it shapes her leadership, and her new book The Ownership Handbook: A handbook for Transforming Your Life and Leadership.

Expressive in Life, Driver at Work
Kerry identifies herself as a mix of Expressive and Driver. She leans towards being "Expressive" in her personal life, but when she's on the job, she shifts gears into "Driver" mode. This dynamic blend makes her a formidable force. At work, her focus is on setting a clear vision, ensuring everyone understands their role, and igniting enthusiasm among her team for company goals. Yet, Kerry acknowledges the potential drawbacks of her Driver-Expressive style, noting that she can sometimes move too quickly for certain team members. She's learned that slowing down and seeking input from different social styles, especially the amiable and analytical folks, is essential.

Kerry's Leadership Definition in a Nutshell
For Kerry, leadership revolves around uniting the team around a shared vision. It's akin to ensuring everyone is in the right seat on the bus and collaborates seamlessly. Her primary mission is to inspire individuals to bring their A-game and live their best lives, both in and out of the office.

Why Self-Awareness Matters
Kerry says self-awareness is the secret sauce. She firmly believes that effective leadership hinges on being self-aware and taking personal responsibility. “Without it, you're essentially leading with one hand tied behind your back. You wouldn't even realize how you're affecting your environment”.

Caring Culture is Key
Creating a thriving team culture, according to Kerry, requires one key ingredient: care. She passionately advocates for fostering an environment where people genuinely care about each other. "When employees know their company, bosses, and colleagues care about them, it creates an inclusive workspace where they feel safe to be themselves. This, in turn, lays the groundwork for psychological safety."

The Evolution of Leadership Style
Kerry said her leadership style has taken quite a journey over the years. She used to let her boundless passion and drive run wild, which didn't always sit well with others. In 2018, difficult conversations with her COO led her to do some soul-searching. “I owned it and vowed from that moment to be cool, calm, and collected”. Her leadership style has undergone a dramatic improvement, making it easier for her team to provide feedback without fearing a fiery reaction.

Handling Different Social Styles
Navigating a variety of social styles in the workplace requires understanding and adjusting communication approaches accordingly. Kerry's primary challenge lies in interacting with amiable peacekeepers who tend to avoid conflicts. She emphasizes the value of authenticity and addressing issues directly rather than sweeping them under the rug to maintain peace.

Unwinding from Work
Finding perfect work-life balance can be elusive for leaders. Transitioning from work mode to non-work mode isn't always easy. Kerry's remedy? Meditation, reading, and writing. She also swears by weekly massages for ultimate self-care. Whenever she can, prepping and cooking dinner for her family allows her to leave the workday behind.

Book Launch Alert
Before wrapping up, Kerry invited everyone to their book launch event on October 16th at Seasons with Maria’s, for a book signing, cash bar, and appetizers. It's open to the public, come out and support your LLP comrade.
Kerry’s journey underscores the power of self-awareness, adaptability, and a genuine care for people to create truly great leadership. From being a fast-paced passionate disrupter to evolving into a composed and compassionate leader, Kerry’s story is a testament to personal and professional growth in the leadership arena.

Bio:
Stacy Reuille-Dupont, PhD, LAC, CPFT, CNC - Learn More About Me. She owns Studio B a place to Create.Your.Self. We are passionate about helping people create a vibrant life using psychology and physiology.

The September Leadership La Plata Retreat is sponsored by Bank of Colorado