DIRECTIONS
Lauren Harbert
Hello LTEN community, and happy September! I hope you had a wonderful, warm, relaxing summer filled with family, friends and fun memories!
With the 2024 Summer Olympics recently concluded, I thought it timely to talk about the importance of building a strong team. I am constantly inspired by the leaders around me. Leadership is not just about guiding others but about continuously evolving, learning and setting an example.
In any organization, the strength of the team reflects the leader’s ability to inspire, support and challenge their members. A strong leader, or “team captain,” understands that their role is not only to direct but also to nurture the talents and potential within their team. This involves creating an environment where each member feels valued, motivated and empowered to contribute their best.
I believe that one critical aspect of being an effective team captain is self-awareness. Understanding your strengths and areas for improvement allows you to lead with authenticity and humility. It also sets a precedent for your team to engage in continuous self-improvement. As leaders, we must be open to feedback, willing to adapt and committed to lifelong learning and growth.
Building a strong team also requires a clear and shared vision. As a leader, your ability to articulate the organization’s goals and inspire your team to work toward them is crucial.
This vision serves as a guiding star, aligning everyone’s efforts and fostering a sense of purpose and cohesion. Effective communication is key – ensuring that everyone understands their role in achieving the collective goals and feels connected to the broader mission.
I have had the privilege of witnessing remarkable leadership within our LTEN community.
This month, I want to honor two exemplary leaders who have recently retired from our board: John Sjovall and Michelle O’Connor. Their contributions have been invaluable, and their leadership has left an indelible mark on LTEN and their respective organizations.
John’s retirement from SK Life Science and the LTEN board marks the end of an era. Since joining the board in 2008, John has been a pillar of strength and wisdom. He served as the president of the board from 2014 to 2016, during which time he demonstrated exceptional leadership.
John’s approach to leadership was consistently inclusive, encouraging teamwork and creativity. His ability to build strong, cohesive teams has been a model for many. We will miss his steady presence and insightful contributions, but his legacy will continue to inspire us.
Similarly, Michelle O’Connor’s retirement from CMR Institute and the LTEN board concludes a remarkable journey.
Michelle served on the board for eight years, during which she exemplified what it means to be a dedicated and visionary leader. Her tenure was marked by her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to cultivate a culture of learning and growth.
Michelle’s leadership style was both compassionate and strategic, enabling her teams to thrive. Her influence will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
As we celebrate the achievements of John and Michelle, we are reminded of the profound impact that strong leadership can have on an organization. They have set a high standard for all of us, demonstrating that great leaders are those who build great teams.
I encourage each of you to reflect on your own leadership journey. Embrace the opportunities for growth, strive to inspire your teams, and remember that the true measure of a leader is not in their individual accomplishments, but in the success and strength of their team.
Together, let’s continue to build a community of leaders who empower, innovate and excel.
Lauren Harbert is executive director of LTEN. Email Lauren at
lharbert@L-TEN.org or connect with her through
linkedin.com/in/lauren-harbert-25373b35.