Written by Albert Vega
My YouTube feed is full of videos about my hobbies—bikes, motorcycles and cars. Because I served in the U.S. Coast Guard, every once in a while, I get videos of boats in my feed. One recent video was about a rowing team, and it sparked a question in my mind:
“What does great leadership look like? Is it one person steering the ship, or is it a team working together, each playing a role in moving forward?”
Seven words flash on the screen throughout the video and apply to our work in community.
Prepared – A successful team doesn’t just react; they prepare. As leaders, we must develop our teams so they can step up when needed.
What are we doing to prepare our people for leadership?
Synchronized – Just like a rowing team, a workplace functions best when everyone’s efforts align.
Are we ensuring that responsibilities are clearly defined and delegated?
Unified – A team pulls in the same direction, not against each other. Leadership should create an environment of collaboration and trust.
How do we create unity within our teams?
Engaged – Rowers don’t just go through the motions; they are invested in the race. The same applies to leadership—when people feel ownership, they give their best effort.
How can we empower our employees to be more engaged?
Common Goal – A rowing team has one mission: to cross the finish line together. In leadership, we must ensure that everyone understands the bigger picture.
Does our team understand the mission, or are they just following instructions?
Focused – A distracted rower can throw off the whole boat. A distracted team loses efficiency. As leaders, we must help our teams stay on track.
Are we setting priorities that keep our teams focused?
Dedicated – Rowing is tough, but teams stay committed because they believe in the race. In leadership, dedication is modeled from the top down.
Are we fostering a culture where people feel valued and committed?
Leadership isn’t about pulling the entire weight alone—it’s about getting everyone to row together. This week, month, year, let’s challenge ourselves to distribute leadership—engage more, empower others, and build a stronger, synchronized team. By doing this, we cultivate a vibrant community for both staff and residents, fostering purposeful living for all.