Cherie Sage: Leadership Greater Topeka
What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess?
It’s difficult to choose just one quality that matters more than any other, but certainly one of the most important is the ability to inspire. Inspiration sets wheels into motion. It sparks the fire. Inspiration is the seed of opportunity. It brings a wellspring of ideas and cultivates an environment of collaboration. History remembers those leaders who inspire others to come along on a journey, to be brave, to stretch ourselves, and rally around a shared belief and hope. And when inspiration occurs, great and powerful things can happen.
Best advice you have received?
A few years ago I was in Santa Fe with my family and visited the Georgia O’Keeffe museum. She once said, “I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life – and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.” That really resonated with me. It’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay to be afraid. But don’t let it stop you. She also said, “I hate flowers – I paint them because they’re cheaper than models and they don’t move.” Having a sense of humor is helpful, too.
What is your theme song?
I love jazz music but for a theme song, “One Voice” by The Wailin’ Jennys gives me all the feels.
TK: How has the current situation impacted your thoughts on leadership? The pandemic has revealed the importance of honesty and transparency of leadership. You have to be able to discuss difficult and uncomfortable things in a straightforward way. You must be assuring without being falsely optimistic. A leader also needs to be able to make hard decisions that may be unpopular, and back those decisions up with data and the recommendations of subject matter experts. Leaders need to be willing to be vulnerable. They must talk about needs and weaknesses, and invite others to help solve problems. They must provide a cohesive and consistent message, even when part of that message is that there are unknowns ahead. Without trust, there cannot be leadership.
TK: What will you do differently after the pandemic?So much of the work my organization does happens through programs and events, which have been hampered by this virus. We will explore more ways to support families using technology and creative outreach.
