8 Principles for Successful Leadership
After an incredible 25-year career in Animal and Human Health, including leadership positions in three Fortune 500 companies, Zoetis, Pfizer and Novartis, I've been fortunate enough to guide individuals on their journey to becoming successful leaders. Along the way, I've gained insights that have become the principles of how I approach leadership development. I hope you find as much value in these lessons as I have found impact.
First and foremost, I've learned the power of being purpose-driven. As individuals, we tend to have more passion, determination, and resilience when we have a clear sense of “the why” behind our actions. As leaders, we should use our mission and vision to guide decision-making and resource allocation.
Hand in hand with being purpose-driven is embracing authenticity & inclusivity and leading by example. By demonstrating vulnerability, we can create a safe place where all colleagues feel comfortable bringing their true selves to work every day.
In today’s rapidly changing work, is critical that leaders embrace change. When we can focus on the opportunities ahead rather than the uncertainty it creates, we can navigate changes more effectively. As a leader, the best way to help your team through change is to communicate early and often.
Embracing change is much easier if you have a growth mindset. Encouraging continuous learning and development not only inspires the team but also enables them to achieve more than they may have thought was possible.
Teamwork was a consistent theme in my leadership journey. An effective leader leverages the strengths and unique experiences of the team to accomplish goals.
As a leader, we must set and align on goals, objectives and KPIs; and we must hold each other accountable for results.
Fostering empathy is a core component of emotional intelligence as a leader and an essential aspect of building connections. By being genuinely curious about what makes your team members tick, you will gain their trust and loyalty.
My final leadership lesson is arguably the most challenging for today’s leaders and is - mindset matters. Behind every successful leader is someone who understands that prioritizing self-care and practicing gratitude are not only acts of personal well-being but also strategic elements in effective leadership. By investing in your health, you are creating your foundation for becoming a positive and inspiring leader.
Each of these eight lessons represents the fundamental leadership principles that contributed to my success. I share them with the hope that they resonate with others and help contribute to your making a more significant impact.
