A Tale of Two Leaders

“Leadership is not simply about guiding others, but consciously shaping the world with our actions and decisions. The residue we leave on others as leaders, through our behavior, can profoundly impact their futures. Therefore, we should always be mindful of our interactions, ensuring they inspire and uplift rather than damage or dishearten. Remember, as a leader, your influence can foster growth or cause unintended harm, so tread your path with care and respect for the echo it creates.” – Jewel Quackenbush.

Those words will forever resonate with my experiences, casting light on two distinct leadership styles I have encountered. Each leader left behind a residue that has significantly influenced my approach to leadership. Many stand out as I reflect on my career, life, and experiences. This is the story of two of them. 

At one point in my career, I worked for a very short time for a well-known Hotel Chain in Chicago. For this story, we will refer to them as Leaders A and B. 

Leader A was inexperienced in his position. (this is not a slight, it is true) He let that inexperience guide him toward short-sighted decisions rather than leaning into it and learning from his more seasoned colleagues. His brash, narrow-minded, and objectifying leadership style left a damaging residue of self-doubt and anger, shaking my belief in my proven leadership abilities.

Contrastingly, I had Leader B, my peer, who epitomizes empathetic and servant leadership. Leader B recognized the adverse impact of Leader A on me and intervened. She helped me recalibrate my journey with compassion and understanding, leaving an inspiring and empowering residue.

Reflecting on my experiences with Leaders A and B, I am reminded of the profound impact a leader’s actions and decisions can have on those they lead. Leader A’s style demonstrated the unintended harm that can come from inexperienced and short-sighted leadership. In contrast, Leader B’s approach underscored the potential for growth and resilience that positive leadership can inspire.

These experiences have prompted me to use my leadership platform to help others. I share these stories, hoping to inspire self-reflection among my readers, helping them identify and mitigate the harmful residues they may unconsciously leave on others.

As a leader, I’m keenly aware of the influence my actions can have on others. I strive to lead with empathy, care, and respect, conscious of the residue I leave behind. 

The moral of the story? We leave a residue. More than a decade has passed since that experience, and I still feel the effects of the residue left by both leaders. Leader A, who left a disheartening residue, likely has no idea how he affected me. But because of Leader B, who instinctively knew better, I could turn those lemons into lemonade.

I aspire to inspire and uplift, fostering an environment of growth and resilience and positively influencing those I have had the privilege to lead.

In the words of Simon Sinek, “Being a leader is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge.” This principle guides my leadership approach, and I am committed to ensuring that my leadership residue creates a nurturing and empowering environment.