Special thanks to Mrs. Baldwin for doing this interview for me and Ms. Roya for setting it up. You guys are great!:)
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| Danielle Baldwin |
A: I work for Cox Communications as a Senior Project Manager on the business side for voice products. In other words, I handle complicated phone services for businesses with all sorts of features.
Q: What is your leadership style?
A: I am flexible, which means I listen and adapt to different people. For example, there are some people who always want direct, simple, straight forward, and to the point conversations and others that prefer softer, more "beat around the bush" techniques - it simply depends on the person and their style. You just have to make yourself accessible to people.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a leader?
A: The advantages are that you get to help people develop and grow. The disadvantages are the difficult decisions such as firing/ letting people go. But, you know, you just have to go with your gut and know that they can't stay employed and even though it can be hard to make the decisions, they are necessary.
Q: Whom do you lead?
A: Right now I don't have any direct reports, but at my old position I did have people that reported to me.
Q: Who are your role models and/or a historical figure that you look up to? Who taught you how to be a leader?
A: I really look up to John Wooden. Have you read any books by him? You should. * He's my hero and I just really love his style. I've had the opportunity to work with some really good leaders and some really bad ones and I just learn a ton from both. I emulate those that I like and I try to refrain from making the same mistakes that the bad ones make.
Q: What are your keys to successful leadership?
A: My style, again, is to listen and use a socratic method at meetings. I live by the talk 20%, listen 80% method because to me it is important to help guide people towards their own decisions so that they don't feel like you're telling them what to do. You want them to make the decision themselves. In other words, give them all you can without taking over.
Q: What advice do you have for me as an aspiring leader?
A: You're doing a great job! Listening, and continuing to learn are going to be the things that you need to focus on the most. I'm a big believer in that you learn your entire life and curiosity, passion for what you're doing, and just furthering your knowledge are incredibly important. You really have to want it and be willing to go for it!
Q: What skills should I be developing?
A: Your communication, writing, presentation, verbal communication, and relationship skills are really key.
Q: Do you think leadership skills transcend the work place? How so?
A: Absolutely. All day everyday leadership skills are important. I am involved in lots of nonprofits. In fact, right now one of my projects is starting a charter school. There is a significant home importance. You have to be humble. Plus, you can apply your skill anywhere.
Q: How did you get to your position?
A: I actually had a set plan at about your age but life takes you in and spits you out and you end up somewhere - it's not always where you think you'll go either. You have to be passionate about what you're doing. In fact, when I was about 15, I told my mom that I would never work in sales. Look where I ended up! I actually took school pretty seriously and made it through grad school, which was really good for me but my point is that you have to take different opportunities (like I did) and know that your grand plan might not always work out and that life is a journey.
Q: Career path?
A: Nope, that about sums it up. You just have to be passionate about it. My passion is helping people, especially because I find other people fascinating.
Q: Were you/are you mentored by someone?
A: I have been being mentored since my first day at my job and I still have several mentors. I have one in particular that is really significant to me and I meet with regularly that helps me to get insight when I need it and is really great.
*I actually have a book by him checked out right now!
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