Lessons in Leadership: Insights from the Water and Wastewater Leadership Center

Ever tried to sell a rotten apple? Sounds impossible, but at the Water and Wastewater Leadership Center, we did just that – not because we’re aspiring fruit vendors, but to better understand the power of influence. This exercise was just one of many eye-opening experiences I had during my two weeks at UNC Chapel Hill. The program was intense, immersive, and packed with invaluable lessons that reshaped my understanding of leadership and management.

Trust and Vulnerability in Leadership

One of the most profound takeaways was the importance of trust and vulnerability in leadership. We often think of leaders as unshakeable pillars of strength, but true leadership requires the courage to be vulnerable. Trust is built when leaders are transparent, admit their mistakes, and show their human side. This fosters an environment where team members feel safe to express their ideas and concerns without fear of retribution.

I observed that when leaders are open and honest, it creates a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. Showing vulnerability doesn't undermine authority; instead, it enhances authenticity and strengthens the bonds within the team. With my own team, I’m looking forward to trying this approach more, fostering a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

The Diversity Bonus: Beyond Inclusion

Diversity is something I naturally value, but learning the verified benefits was really eye-opening. This is where the "diversity bonus" comes in. Studies show that diverse teams outperform homogenous teams in all areas except simple problem-solving. Diversity isn't just good for the community; it’s good business. Diverse perspectives bring creativity and innovation, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving in complex situations.

One concept that particularly resonated with me was the importance of creating psychological safety. This ties directly into the trust and vulnerability I mentioned earlier. Leaders play a crucial role in fostering an environment where team members feel safe to express their ideas without fear of judgment or retribution. Psychological safety allows diverse teams to leverage their varied perspectives effectively.

This training didn't try to solve the "problem" of diversity—we're all still figuring it out. Instead, it equipped us with tactics we can implement right away to be part of the solution. Creating a culture of inclusion is essential for diversity efforts and helps diverse teams perform at their best. I’m looking forward to implementing strategies that ensure every team member feels included and heard.

Embracing Change: The Engine or the Caboose

Another critical lesson was about change leadership. The quote "Change is inevitable; it’s better to be the engine than the caboose" perfectly encapsulates proactive leadership. As leaders, it is our job to initiate change when necessary, anticipate changes, and guide our organization through transitions.

We also learned that resistance to change is inevitable. Leaders need to diagnose what's causing this resistance and respond appropriately. Education and participation are key tactics. When people understand the reasons behind a change and feel involved, they are more likely to support it. This ties back into trust—people are more open to change when they understand the why.

A valuable insight was highlighting the dangers of not changing to initiate action. Once the change is underway, it’s more effective to focus on the successes and positive outcomes. This helps maintain momentum and morale. We also learned that for change to be successful, you only need buy-in from 60 percent of key stakeholders.

In my organization, I often try to initiate change while working through resistance. Moving forward, I plan to use the approach of clearly showing the dangers of not changing early in the effort and then reinforcing the successes once the change has started. This strategy should help build momentum and keep the team motivated as we navigate transitions.

The Journey Ahead

These insights are just a few of the many valuable lessons I learned at the Water and Wastewater Leadership Center. The program reinforced that leadership is a journey of continuous learning and growth, filled with opportunities to evolve and improve.

I’m genuinely excited to put these lessons into practice. Building trust through vulnerability, harnessing the power of diversity, and leading change with confidence are commitments I’m making to myself and my team. I believe these principles will help us work better together, innovate more effectively, and navigate the challenges ahead with resilience and grace.

This journey at WWLC has been transformative, and I’m grateful for the chance to learn from such distinguished educators and incredible peers. As I move forward, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper passion for leading with integrity and compassion. Here’s to the future and the endless possibilities it holds for growth, learning, and making a positive impact in our community and beyond.