In the third grade, my teacher asked the class, “who believes they are a leader and who is a follower?”  The answer took no thought, I was a follower. In my young mind, leaders were those with great power and force, a person that others followed because they intrinsically knew what to do and could make others behave and perform in a manner they desired.  In this sense, I not only did not think I had qualities to be a leader, but I did also not want to be one.

When I entered the workforce, my idea of what a good leader represented formulated into something very different. The leaders I knew and deeply respected were kind, compassionate, motivating, and inspiring. Some led companies, some led teams and some just led by example. But they did so without force and in ways individuals simply followed them.  The best leaders, in the truest sense, are those that find ways to inspire, mentor, coach, and influence the culture of the organization. This is when leading and developing company culture became a true passion of mine.

Today as a leader, I believe that work should be more than just a means to an end. By fostering a work environment that is not only productive but also enjoyable, inclusive, and purpose-driven we can unlock the full potential of our team members and cultivate a positive and thriving culture. Here are some areas I have embraced in my role of leading people.

1. Build a Strong Sense of Community: The phrase, “people work for companies and stay because of people” could not be truer.  Transparency as a leader breeds trust and respect across the company. Leading by example and encouraging open communication and collaboration among team members is vital to a healthy workplace environment. Having forums for sharing ideas, celebrating achievements, and addressing concerns allow team members to be a part of something bigger than the tasks they complete daily. Remind your team of how the work they do impacts the bigger picture. For example, when a title officer completes a title commitment, they are a part of the process of helping a seller move to the next phase of their life and a buyer realize homeownership and establish roots.  That is much more powerful than tying a policy of insurance!
   
   
2. Create a Sense of Belonging: When people feel they are understood and truly “belong” somewhere, an environment of inclusion and connection develops. By providing opportunities for collaboration and teamwork, leaders can break down silos and foster a true sense of unity and shared purpose. Celebrating the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of your team players enriches the decision-making process and sparks creativity.
   
   
3. Giving Back to the Community: When teams come together to give back and help others in need, deep roots are developed between team members. Volunteer opportunities in the community provide employees with a chance to actively contribute to causes they care about, which can boost their engagement and job satisfaction. This can involve teamwork and collaboration which fosters strong relationships, communication, and trust and enhances the sense of purpose and belonging. Not to mention, helps our community!
   
   Ask the team what causes they are passionate about and find ways to rally around these. This could be veterans, children, animals, or a million other causes. I am still touched today by the efforts of one of my teams in a community cleanup project. Employees joined forces to help low-income and elderly homeowners with projects around their homes they were unable to complete. The teams worked hard and labeled themselves as “Guardian Angels.” Today, these team members still talk about that day, have photos on their desks, and share the stories.
   
   
4. Create a Fun and Engaging Place to Work: We spend a lot of time in the work environment and with colleagues that finding ways to enjoy who we are as individuals is not just important, it is vital to the company culture.  Leaders that create a space for laughter and team bonding enhances personal growth and allows teams to flourish.
   

Celebrating the big and small “wins” keeps team members motivated and engaged. I once had an employee tell me they worked for a leader that never said, “thank you” and how something that small caused them to leave the organization. It is up to the leader to set the tone of the workplace and create a space that people want to come to everyday, physically, or virtually.  

My role as a leader looks very different than my perceived definition in the third grade. It is one of the greatest gifts I have been granted that allows me the ability to help others thrive, feel valued and inspired. Leaders can make a positive impact to people and communities, celebrate differences, and have fun while achieving organization goals.

About Noelle Lovato, Central Region President, Anywhere Integrated Services