TED Magazine - May 2017

www.tEDmag.com May 17 • the ELEC TRICAL DIS TRIBUTOR 77
What are some of the key characteristics that make for an effective leader in the electrical distribution industry? Barsema: There are many effective ways to lead, but true leaders naturally possess a range of key characteristics, from a strong work ethic, decisiveness, and vision to kindness, honesty, creativ- ity, and the ability to be a team player. Being a leader means assisting in holding a team or mission together, giving every- one a voice, including them in the compa- ny’s success, keeping everyone on task, weeding out noncontributors and waste in the process, and pushing for measured results—all of which help build a culture of strength and determination. de Steiger: Leaders come to work each day with an enthusiastic, positive at- titude and try to help associates grow by empowering them to take calculated risks, exercise judgment, and accept responsibil- ity for their decisions, as some of the best learning comes from making mistakes. Since relationships are built on trust, an- other important characteristic of leader- ship is honesty. Strong leaders also look at

FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE HENRY KISSINGER once said, “The task of the leader is to get their people from where they are to where they have not been.” While this desired result is clear, effective leaders come in all shapes, sizes, personalities, and management styles, and there are many different ways to get to the finish line. But are there certain traits common to all successful leaders?

“There are many things that make a successful leader and
multiple styles that I’ve seen work,” confirmed Rob Haslehurst,
managing director at L.E.K. Consulting. “However, traits that I’ve
found to be common among successful leaders include a cer-
tain paranoia about the future, even during good times; a will-
ingness to learn and adapt to new information while also being
decisive; an ability to inspire and bring others along combined
with a willingness to delegate and listen to other opinions; and
an ability to spot and nurture talent.”
On the flip side, Haslehurst said, “Traits that can compromise
effectiveness include an overconfidence in the company’s
capabilities and ability to adapt to changes and win, an exces-
sive placement of trust in things that have worked in the past,
and not listening to advice from the executive teams and advi-
sors because they have their heads buried in the sand.”
Here, seven electrical industry leaders and former NAED
chairs share their thoughts on the traits that they feel define
great leaders and the characteristics that up-and-coming lead-
ers will need to possess to ensure future success.

PARTICIPANTS

Q:

Maureen Barsema FOUNDER, OUTSIDE LOOKING IN, VERONA, WIS., AND FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AND CFO OF BJ ELECTRIC SUPPL Y AND VICE PRESIDENT OF REVERE ELECTRIC, MOKENA, ILL.