My dad was a successful executive.  In contrast, I’ve been content to work with students in high school and college classrooms.  I don’t think I have any fatal flaws that would spell administrative disaster; I just haven’t felt the call of administration.  Recently though, I’ve agreed to coordinate our Masters Program with Teacher Certification for the next three years.

L, far from objective of course, says she’s certain I will be successful.  I appreciate her confidence.

I’ve worked with a gaggle of administrators, some who were effective that I respected, others that made you wonder how on earth they rose to their positions of leadership.  I’ve reflected on all of their strengths and weaknesses; as a result, I have leadership intuitions that that I’m sure I’ll refine over the next three years.  Maybe my goal should be for no one to mutter, “How on earth did Byrnes become Program Coordinator?”

Given my new responsibilities, I read a recent Wall Street Journal bio about a technology CEO a bit more closely than normal.  One year older than me at 47, his leadership philosophy consisted of three things: work hard, treat people well, and listen.  Love it.  Substantive and simple.

Before heading out for last Sunday’s training ride, I downloaded a few podcasts including a recent CarTalk episode, a favorite Saturday morning National Public Radio program of mine. 

While listening to the hosts, brothers Tom and Ray, it dawned on me that their success is also a template not just for administrative success, but workplace success more generally.  The three keys to their success: know your stuff, connect with people before getting down to work, and don’t take yourself too seriously.  

What do you think of these frameworks?  How would you boil down the keys to successful leadership?