14. What leadership qualities do you most admire in effective leaders that you have known? Which of these qualities do you believe best describe your leadership?
The willingness to listen, consider opinions and alternatives, allow free-speaking dialogue in appropriate venues, and demonstrate respect for all are qualities that I most admire in leaders. I believe that I have established a foundation of respect with everyone I work with, whether they be subordinates, peers, directors, or policy makers.
15. What, if any, spiritual traditions or practices do you most draw upon in exercising leadership?
I have a strong personal faith but rarely observe traditional spiritual practices. For me, spending time with my family and extended family of friends is an affirmation of my deepest values. Spending time together and sharing life’s small joys and challenges, helping one another and being present in each other’s lives, enables us all to be stronger.
16. How has your leadership style changed as you have progressed in life?
My leadership style has changed from working to influence change with a designated policy maker to also working to influence change within a program or system. I am working to involve all the stakeholders, not just the leaders.
17. What is the one mistake you see leaders making more frequently than others?
A key mistake that I see leaders making is to try to oversimplify and treat a related group of issues exactly the same, without evaluating the individual circumstances of each.
18. What are you doing to continue growing and developing as a leader?
Furtherance of my development and growth as a leader involve my continued education. I periodically take classes or go to seminars that I feel are worthwhile. I also seek out opportunities to network with leaders in other counties, discussing ideas, issues and strategies. Internally to the county I am working to pull task forces together on specific topics to develop consensus from all stakeholders around change; not just consensus from the leaders.
19. What are the one or two peak, experiences that set you on the path you’re on today?
One is my decision to live and work in Nevada County, which started me working for local government. Also, when I took the job working in the CEO’s office my eyes were opened to the big picture, and I could start seeing how little changes could make significant differences.
20. As you look back over your life what would you do differently?
I truly feel that the person I am today would not exist if I changed the choices I made in my life. There are definitely milestones and ups and downs, but I like who I am, so I cannot say that I would make different choices.
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