CEO Column

2020 is more than half over. Thank goodness.

The past few months have posed unprecedented personal and professional challenges for all of us. As we start to think about the next phase of the pandemic, and hopefully the recovery, I wanted to share some important lessons about leadership that we should keep in mind for the future.

1. Communication really matters.
Whether you work at a large or small organization, frequent communication is critical, with co-workers, customers, members, vendors, the media, and others. Staying connected and keeping everyone informed is essential and is a great way to enhance internal and external relationships. TeamSWANA has used a variety of digital tools to stay connected during the pandemic, and I suspect we will continue to use them for the foreseeable future. 

2. The true value of a first-class leadership team.
SWANA is blessed to have had such strong and committed executive leaders during the pandemic. Deputy Executive Directors (DEDs) Sara Bixby and Meri Beth Wojtaszek have played absolutely critical roles in helping SWANA adjust to the pandemic. The SWANA officers have provided important guidance and feedback as we’ve made significant decisions concerning budgets, programs, and events. No CEO has all the answers and being able to lean on the DEDs and officers has been a tremendous asset for me personally, and for SWANA.

3. The power of technology.
Did you even know what Zoom was before COVID? SWANA has taken advantage of its previous investments in technology, which allowed TeamSWANA to work productively from home and continue to provide high quality member service. We didn’t meet in Atlanta, but our virtual SWANApalooza was a great success, and paves the way for future digital education that could make it easier for SWANA members to get CEUs and participate in events. 

4. Trust your team.
SWANA is incredibly fortunate to have high performing talent at every level of the association. I am very proud of how TeamSWANA has risen to the challenges in front of us and did whatever was necessary to keep our great association moving forward. This occurred despite staff retirements (Sue Bumpous and Michael Tomaselli), a hiring freeze, and an Executive Director who kept adding new initiatives such as the Sanitation Workers Support Fund and the distribution of free facial coverings. We have a terrific team, and I look forward to telling them – in person – how thankful I am to work with each of them.

 5. Understand and acknowledge that your co-workers have personal lives.
On a daily basis, but particularly in a crisis situation, your co-workers are balancing different obligations and priorities that may sometimes interfere with their professional obligations. Leaders need to be flexible, have compassion for their people, and acknowledge the distractions and stress. Let your team know you respect and appreciate them, and that you have total confidence in their capabilities.

These five lessons are equally applicable in crisis and non-crisis situations. I look forward to the chance to apply them in a non-crisis environment, really soon. During the summer, I hope all of you have an opportunity to rest and recharge your batteries. The sixth lesson is the importance of vacation, but that’s a subject of a different column.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay connected. We are all TeamSWANA.