Leadership Greater Topeka: Michelle McCormick
TK: What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? Why?
I think that every leader should have the ability to humble themselves and be open to the idea that we can and should create opportunities for others to lead as well. In my experience, some of the best leaders I have known were not people necessarily identified as formal leaders by title or position. They were natural leaders who inspired people to engage and join in collective action.
TK: What is the best advice you have received?
If the dress doesn’t fit…leave it on the floor! When someone criticizes you, it is important to try it on and see if there is anything you can learn and possibly need to change because of it, but sometimes criticism has less to do with you and more to do with the person doing the criticizing. So, try it on…but if it doesn’t fit there is no need to take it personal just leave it on the floor!
TK: What is your theme song? “Like A Girl” by Lizzo. “Woke up feeling like I might just run for President…”
TK: How has the current situation impacted your thoughts on leadership?The biggest impact on my thoughts about the Covid-19 pandemic has been in observing the leadership exhibited by our local leaders. It has been reassuring to see leaders in the community, such as the staff of the county emergency management department, respond in calm and steady ways when making highly technical decisions, but also express their understanding of the emotional toll of this event on all of us. There has been an authenticity to their leadership, which I think sets a powerful example. The pandemic has emphasized to me that as a leader, acting with integrity, by practicing the values that I have preached (such as “listen to understand rather than listen to respond”, or “human resources are our most valuable resource”), continues to be of the utmost importance.
TK: What will you do differently after the pandemic?I will create a space for those I lead to safely process the impact of the pandemic, in all the domains of their lives. Through my social work lens, I believe this event has been a collective trauma. And like any trauma recovery, the journey back is to a new normal and not to the old normal. A normal that can be healthy, happy, and great…but not necessarily the same. I would like to be reflective and thoughtful on how that plays out in the workplace, and adjust accordingly.
