SMPS WAVE - Pacific Regional Conference Recap - Leadership (Part 1)

The 2015 SMPS WAVE - Pacific Regional Conference is now in the rearview mirror. While it was an amazing experience, it was impossible to catch all of the amazing presentations. Thankfully, several SMPS Fellows sat in on each presentation and shared their findings during the last session of the conference. Moderated by our own Bill Strong, FSMPS, CPSM, Owner, Bill Strong Consulting, the session provided an open discussion of the key points conference attendees should take with them. We are happy to share their findings with you on Friday mornings over the next few weeks. 

LEADERSHIP SESSIONS

An Intentional Journey: Navigating the Curvy Path of Leadership - Barbara Shuck, FSMPS, CPSM and Deirdre Gilmore, CPSM

Rewarding Greatness: A Roadmap to Recognizing and Retaining Great Talent - Hildegard Dodd 

Don't Shoot the Raging Rapids Without a Paddle: 3 Powerful Strategies for Positioning Yourself for an Executive Leadership Role - Mary Lou Kayser

by Craig Galati, AIA, FSMPS, CPSM, Principal, LGA

Three Key Takeaways 

1. Leaders inspire, managers manage - there is a big difference between being a leader and being a manager - leaders create other leaders, not followers. Model leadership to become a leader.

2. Leaders are made, not born - develop a plan or roadmap to become a leader. Create goals to become a better leader - put the work in. It doesn't just happen. Learn how to tell your leadership story. 

3. Leaders play a critical role in recruiting and retaining talent - top three reasons people leave their jobs are: not appreciated; not respected; and, don't like their boss. Making more money is number 6 on the list.

Take Away From My Expertise

Leadership is the ability and the courage to make decisions without all information. Bridge the information gap - be vulnerable and not afraid to change course if you made a wrong decision. If one waits for all of the information to become available, you may miss the opportunity. 

New Item I Learned

All the speakers taled about feedback. Feedback loops are important. But, I heard a new term - feed-forward. The concept is where you ask someone to help you with new direction and vision. Help and guidance for the future not just constructive criticism on what you already did.