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Recently, I was engaged in an exercise to evaluate my management skills. As I looked over the list of skills presented for my consideration, leadership was at the top of the list.
I was not surprised to find leadership on the list of skills essential for effective management, but I was slightly shocked at the value of leadership as it relates to the manager's role.
It's easy to think that because I am "The Safety Manager," I am a leader. After all, doesn't leadership go with the job? Not exactly! Management may be a position of leadership, but sitting in the corner office does not make you a good leader.
Leadership is a skill that's hard to define. If you ask six people what leadership means, you'll most likely get six different answers. A few definitions of leadership that I've recently heard include:
- Leaders have the ability to influence others.
- Leaders are visionary – they see the big picture.
- Good leaders plan strategically.
- Leaders motivate others by example.
As we enter 2006, let's all consider the value of leadership in our profession. The System Safety Society's Strategic Plan states that our vision is to "be the recognized international leader in the system safety discipline." This vision recently became a reality for the Tennessee Valley Chapter when the local mayor recognized Huntsville, Alabama, as an International Center of Excellence for the practice of system safety. She noted that Huntsville had become one of the world's preeminent research and engineering communities, providing technological leadership and state-of-the-art hardware, software and systems for the free world. Congratulations to those who lead this outstanding chapter.
The Tennessee Valley Chapter is just one example of the leadership that our Society demonstrates throughout the world. Each chapter and each member carries our vision into the community and workplace every day. Our leadership sometimes makes the 6 o'clock news, but most often it just makes someone's life a little better and safer without fanfare. Good leaders are not only committed to their beliefs and excited about what can be achieved — they also provide a vision for the future. As safety professionals, we have the opportunity to add value through leadership as we share our vision of a safer work environment with the world. Thanks to all who share the desire, talent and commitment to the practice of system safety.
—Larry W. Jones
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