The first thing I learned about leadership is that simply holding a position of authority does not make someone a true leader.
As one of the first women to negotiate labor relations at Ford, I spent 15 years working hard to be taken seriously. I used to think that being a leader meant always having the right answer.
I believed I had to walk into a room, quickly understand the situation, and offer a solution. I felt I always needed to appear confident, decisive, and steady.
Inspiration & Learning
Meeting Medford Lee, a well-known labor leader, changed me. Working with him was inspiring. He earned respect by leading through his actions. He showed us how to enjoy our work, listen carefully, and handle stress well. When I watched him, work never felt like a burden. He was a true leader, and this experience changed how I viewed leadership.
I realized that true leadership is not about knowing everything. It means being willing to admit when you do not know something. Curiosity matters more than always being certain. You have to accept feeling unsure and trust your team to help find the answer together.
I did not learn these lessons at a conference or from a TED Talk. I learned them from a leader who showed by example how to get great results and enjoy the process. This is the kind of leadership that is truly authentic.
What kind of leader do you want to be?
