Pulse June 2016 | Page 74

“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.” — Max Lucado H ave you been fortunate to work with a great leader? You’ll know a great leader by how they inspire others to do more, learn more l l l l Hire people smarter than yourself and get out of their way. You can’t lead from the front— to truly lead people, walk behind them. We can’t be good at everything—embrace what you are not good at doing and hire the very best to do it. Don’t find fault, find a solution. In preparation for this year’s ISPA Conference & Expo, we have been reading the books of best-selling author and TED speaker Simon Sinek, one of this year’s keynote speakers. His words about leadership resonated within me, in particular when he wrote: “The role of a leader is not to come up with all the great ideas. The role of a leader is to create an environment in which great ideas can happen.” Within ISPA, our passionate volunteer Board of Directors are the leaders who help to create an environment that inspire great ideas to happen. We rely on their expertise as spa operators and business owners to provide clear direction that enable staff to meet their business needs. Similarly, the Board provides clear staff directives—but is quick to get out of the way. It is a time tested proven model that fosters a respectful relationship. Great leaders are gauged by their ability to inspire greatness in others. Who have you inspired today? —LYNNE McNEES, ISPA PRESIDENT 72 PULSE STYLING & PHOTO BY ECHOSTARMAKER.COM and become more. In my family, my dad embodies the idea of a great leader. He instilled in me a valuable leadership lesson to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. In fact, we like to tease him about a picture in his office of him sleeping on Air Force One, with a note his staff laid on his chest with the words: “The Advance Man—always alert, always dedicated—always ready for anything.” He, along with many impressive leaders I have had the privilege to work with over the years, has taught me countless management lessons. Some of the ones I took to heart include: ■ June 2016 White House Advance Man, Ron Walker circa 1972 CONNECT WITH ME ON FACEBOOK! Lynne Walker McNees