Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1495967
Business Leader of the Year (Large business) David Klein President & CEO, Greenwood Industries 1. Know your limitations and find employees who improve them. 2. Remain involved. Don't lose sight of what people are doing and how they impact your organization. 3. Establish core values that scale with your business. 4. Seek innovation and inspire employees to embrace change. 5. Support employee education and advancement. 6. Give recognition where it's due. 7. Create a culture of inclusivity and belonging. 8. Be present in the communities you serve. 9. Be courageous and do the right thing. 10. Take time for yourself. Business Leader of the Year (Nonprofit) Kaska Yawo, Co-founder & executive director, African Community Education No single tree can make a forest This is an African proverb that emphasizes the importance and power of teamwork. When we stand together, we accomplish much more than if we stood alone. For ACE to be what it is today, we came together and made the decision to address issues that our community was facing in regards to education and literacy. ACE is an organization that is rooted in the community and it is bound to succeed by the grace of God. Take initiative At ACE we have a hands-on approach where if you see something, you do something. Waiting on others to take action before stepping in delays change. We are successful today because we took a step forward even when we did not have all we needed. Respect others and treat them with dignity Respect allows us to see the value in others. We all serve a purpose and when we acknowledge that and move with kindness, we allow each other to thrive in our calling. Build strong partnerships and collaborations At ACE, we are committed to addressing complex matters and it is not possible to do it alone. Collaborating with various organizations, leaders and companies has been essential to helping the families we work with. There are so many people willing to help and it is because of that love for others that people are able to be connected to necessary resources. Build a strong system of skills training and implementation The empowerment of all people in regards to their skills is what keeps us advancing. As we grow in our various skills, we are able to accomplish more and reach higher levels. Be truthful and transparent As a leader, having the trust of those around you is the most important thing. When you are honest and transparent in both the good and bad times, that trust grows stronger as you acknowledge that you have their best interest at heart. Be humble Humility allows for wisdom. As a leader, it is crucial to make sensible decisions and judgments especially when it comes to the safety and well being of others. Be appreciative At ACE, we understand that the commitment others have for our vision and goals for African families in Worcester is not something to take lightly. Every single donation, word of advice and counsel has been recognized and cherished. Prioritize diversity of people, skills and ideas Regardless of race, nationality, education attainment, gender identity, sex or even language, at ACE we are one. Our diversity is not only what makes us beautiful but it is what allows us to tackle complex problems with grace. Dare to dream big and then take that first step Have a vision for what you wish to achieve but remember that faith without work is dead. Take that first step and adapt as you move forward.