The concept of “leading from the front” has historical roots in military leadership, where commanders would place themselves at the forefront of battles to inspire and motivate their troops. This leadership style is about more than just taking charge; it’s about setting an example, being visible, and demonstrating the behaviors and values that leaders expect from their team. The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, named after one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II, embodies this principle by recognizing soldiers who exemplify leadership, character, and professionalism.
Conversely, Nelson Mandela’s philosophy, “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership,” complements this idea by highlighting the balance between guiding and empowering others while stepping up during critical moments.
What Does Leading from the Front Mean to Our Team?
At FedTec, “leading from the front” is more than just a phrase; it embodies the essence of our leadership approach and is rooted in our core values of integrity, shaping tomorrow, inclusive collaboration, relentless excellence, service with purpose, and championing wellness and growth. Let’s explore what this means for us and how it translates into our daily actions and interactions.
Trust, Enablement, and Empowerment
Leading from the front begins with trust. It’s about creating an environment where our team feels empowered to take initiative and make decisions. Trust is the foundation that enables us to hand over responsibilities, knowing that our team members are capable and equipped to handle challenges. By empowering our team, we foster a culture of innovation and ownership, where everyone feels responsible for the success of our projects and the company.
On the Line with Our Clients
When we are on the line with our clients, leading from the front means being proactive and setting clear expectations. It’s about not just bringing problems to the table but also recommendations and solutions. We position ourselves as enablers, providing our clients with the tools and support they need to overcome obstacles. This approach builds stronger relationships and ensures that we deliver exceptional value and results.
Our role as project leaders involves a delicate balance between setting expectations and enabling our team. We recognize that while we may not have all the answers, our job is to provide guidance and remove barriers. As Becky Chiaramida, Senior Executive Advisor at FedTec, highlights, “The boss is supposed to remove the barriers so that you can do the job in the best, most efficient way possible.” This sentiment underscores the importance of providing the tools and support necessary for a team to excel.
At the executive level, leading from the front means leveraging positional power to focus on being human. Admitting when we’re wrong, being open to feedback, and showing vulnerability are key aspects of this leadership style. Ronnie Clark, SVP of Operations, emphasizes the importance of staying connected with our team, even as we ascend to higher leadership roles: “We must think about enabling people to push things forward.” By staying grounded and approachable, we maintain a culture of inclusivity and growth.
Technology and Best Practices
In the realm of technology, leading from the front is about staying ahead of industry trends and continuously improving our practices. It’s not something that can be taught solely through training; it requires us to lead by example. Robin Kidwell, VP of Client Services, shares, “Leading from the front means being human.” By engaging with our team and demonstrating our commitment to excellence, we inspire others to follow suit and adopt best practices.
Leading from the front is about showing, not just telling. It’s about embodying the values and behaviors we want to see in our team. Whether it’s taking responsibility for mistakes, actively listening to feedback, or staying present and engaged, our actions set the standard for others to follow. As Robin Kidwell puts it, “If you take care of the people, the rest of it will come.”
Conclusion
At FedTec, leading from the front is a multifaceted approach that integrates trust, enablement, and empowerment into every aspect of our work. From our interactions with clients to our internal leadership practices, we strive to set an example that reflects our core values. By doing so, we not only drive our company forward but also create a supportive and innovative environment where our team can thrive.
Ronnie Clark says it best: “Even as you graduate into a higher leadership role, you don’t want the leaders to be distant. Even though we’re focused on growth, we can’t forget the people.”
If you’re inspired by our core values and passionate about making a difference, we invite you to join our team. Together, we can shape tomorrow, foster inclusive collaboration, and achieve relentless excellence. Apply today and be part of a company that values integrity, service with purpose, and championing wellness and growth.
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