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You don't know what you don't know—so ask. A lot. Curiosity is one of the most underrated leadership skills. Never assume you understand someone's experience better than they do. Their lived experience makes them the expert in their own life, and if you listen carefully, they will teach you things you never learned in a classroom, training, or leadership seminar. When you ask thoughtful questions and truly listen, you gain insight into how people see the world—and that insight helps you advocate, support, and collaborate in more meaningful ways. Plus, asking questions prevents one of the most common leadership mistakes: confidently being wrong. There is always something to be grateful for. Life can be complicated, messy, and occasionally you feel like you're juggling flaming bowling pins while riding a unicycle. But there is always something to appreciate. Gratitude doesn't ignore challenges; it puts them into perspective. Recognizing our blessings reminds us that while our problems are real, many people are facing challenges that threaten even their most basic needs. Gratitude grounds us, humbles us, and keeps our leadership rooted in empathy and perspective. Be the bigger person. How people treat you is often a reflection of what they're dealing with internally, not a reflection of your worth. People carry stress, grief, insecurity, and a thousand invisible burdens. Sometimes those burdens show up as impatience, negativity, or behavior that could cause you to have an initial reaction that is not helpful. Try to assume that people are doing the best they can with what they have at the moment. Choosing grace doesn't mean accepting bad behavior—it means responding with empathy instead of escalating the situation. In other words: don't let someone else's bad day become your bad personality. Take chances—don't let others dictate your courage. Some of the most meaningful achievements come from moments when you take a risk and trust your instincts. Leadership requires stepping into uncertainty, even when others think you're a little out there. For example, when many organizations shut down in-person programs during the pandemic, we made the bold decision to stay open for onsite services because our community needed it. People questioned it. Some thought it was risky. But the impact on the community proved it was the right call. Progress rarely comes from playing it safe—it comes from thoughtful risk-taking. Leadership is not a title—it's a behavior. All of us can be leaders. Leadership isn't reserved for the person whose name is on the door or whose title shows up at the end of their email signature. It happens when someone steps up to solve a problem, supports a colleague, advocates for someone who isn't in the room, or inspires others to move forward together. Titles may define roles, but actions define leaders. Don't just look for a seat at the table—build a bigger table (and maybe a bench). Leadership isn't just about getting into the room; it's about making sure the room reflects the people you serve. Real leadership asks who else should be there and creates space for them. Diversity, equity, and inclusion must be more than words—you can't claim to value DEI if you haven't built an inclusive culture or if leadership doesn't reflect diverse perspectives. Strong leaders expand the circle, create pathways for others, and ensure that more voices are part of the conversation. Be a lifelong learner. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you stop growing—and probably the moment your team starts quietly Googling things behind your back. Stay curious. Read widely. Ask questions. Seek out perspectives that challenge your thinking. Every conversation, mistake, and new experience is an opportunity to learn something valuable. Leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about constantly improving your understanding. Let your freak flag fly. Authenticity matters. The world does not need another perfectly polished, personality-free leader who sounds like they were assembled in a corporate leadership factory. Your quirks, passions, and unique perspective are often what make you relatable and effective. When leaders show up as their true selves, it gives everyone else permission to do the same— and that's when creativity and innovation really start to happen. Never underestimate the power of humor. Work is serious, but it doesn't always have to feel serious. Humor builds connection, lowers stress, and reminds us that we're all human. A well-timed joke, a shared laugh, or the ability to poke fun at yourself can transform tense moments into opportunities for connection. If you can't laugh at yourself occasionally, leadership will feel very long—and your team will definitely laugh at you anyway. Lovingly hold each other accountable. Accountability is not about punishment; it's about respect and growth. When we care about people, we challenge them to meet their potential and uphold shared values. Holding someone accountable should come from a place of support, honesty, and mutual responsibility. Think of it as saying, "I believe in you too much to let you slide on this." Done well, accountability strengthens trust rather than damaging it. Hall of Fame Liz Hamilton, President & CEO Boys & Girls Club of Worcester 2026 Key Philosophies

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