Sykes College of Business Virtual Leadership Speaker Series feat. Mayor Jane Castor

Hosted by The University of Tampa Sykes College of Business, Mayor Jane Castor helped shed light on what it takes to be an effective and accomplished leader. Having an extensive career that revolved around leadership, Tampa Bay Police Chief and currently Mayor of Tampa Bay, Mayor Castor had the opportunity to discuss essential attributes, characteristics, and opportunities that every great leader should have.

To be an effective leader you have to have a clear and concise vision on what you want to accomplish. People want to follow a leader that is transparent about where they are taking them and what they will accomplish together. To create and implement this vision it is necessary to have great communication skills. Communication is key when it comes to leading people into a better tomorrow. As Mayor Castor said, “Communication is really the key issue to success and failure, not only in professional life, but personal as well.”

Every successful leader, while should acquire many positive attributes, has to have integrity. Without integrity people will lack trust and support when it comes to believing in someone and helping them make their vision come to life. A leader with integrity upholds their values and morals and reflects that throughout their everyday life. It is much easier to be a successful leader when people know what you stand for and know that you don’t shy away from those beliefs.

As a leader it is important to not only communicate effectively, but also listen effectively. It is necessary to allow people to share their opinions, beliefs, and visions to meet the needs of the people around you. When working with other people the objectives and outcomes have to be inclusive with one another, which is only possible if, as a leader, you listen to the people around you and implement not only your vision but others too.

“Being an effective leader isn’t something that you accomplish and you check that box and you’re done. Leadership is something you should work on every single day.” – Mayor Jane Castor.

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This post was written by Elevate, Inc.