When I was asked to write about leadership, my first thought was that there are many leaders in our community better suited for the job. But if my time in public service, nonprofit work and coaching baseball at Denfeld has taught me anything, it’s that leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
I find myself weighing what leadership should look like and how to communicate it so that every individual on my team reaches their potential. For me, that boils down to three things: checking your ego at the door, staying curious and believing no task is beneath you.
Leading with a low ego requires a leader to admit what they do not know. The era of the all-knowing director is over; effective leadership involves asking questions and listening to the experts on your team. As Satya Nadella noted, “The learn-it-all will always do better than the know-it-all.”
By acknowledging my own limitations, I try to foster an environment of mutual trust. This atmosphere encourages everyone to share ideas and solutions without fear of being silenced by a hierarchy. Whether I am at the zoo or in the dugout, my goal is to empower individuals to take ownership of their roles.
Closely tied to this is the importance of curiosity. A curious leader views challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles to be managed. Albert Einstein remarked, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” This mindset helps prevent stagnation and drives a leader to explore new perspectives.
Furthermore, curiosity allows me to connect with my team as individuals, ensuring I understand their unique motivations so we can work together more effectively. This engagement helps identify paths that a closed-minded approach might overlook.
Finally, effective leaders demonstrate that no task is too small for their attention. Whether it is assisting with a deadline or raking the dirt on the diamond, rolling up one’s sleeves earns respect and sets a standard for the organization.
John Wooden once observed, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” This hands-on approach reinforces our shared mission, proving that leadership is about serving the collective goal alongside the team.
Noah Hobbs is Executive Director of the Lake Superior Zoo.
