Staying true to who you are as a leader
Anthony is on a trip this week celebrating Sam’s 15 year and Krystal’s 10 year management anniversaries. While Anthony & April are in Norway celebrating these monumental anniversaries I am filling in to write this week’s message. I am Sonny McGlothlin, the Programs Manager for MIBE. I joined the MIBE Team close to 5 months ago. This message is about how my personal leadership has evolved since joining MIBE and a reminder to be true to who you are.
Five months ago, I left a 20+ year long career behind me and went in a completely different field and started a new chapter in life, joining the MIBE Team. The change has been a blend of excitement and a little bit of anxiety that comes with a new role, a new team, and a new environment. Almost weekly I think about being the new guy, especially after having been in a Director level position for so long in my past role.
Krystal, Sonny and April sharing the love shortly after I joined MIBE
What has been somewhat easy for me is learning the new systems, the new names, and the new processes. The support, encouragement and accessibility of everyone around me has helped me with those things. The unexpected part of this career change is reminding myself that the leader I've become over years wasn't left behind. At first, when I started this new position, I felt like I was starting over from the beginning, that all of my experience and confidence was on pause. But what I've quickly learned is that leadership isn't tied to a title, a job description or how long you've been at one company. It's not something you turn on and off. It's a part of who you are.
When I think about the skills that have helped me grow, it’s not just the technical stuff. It’s the things I carry with me: the ability to listen, the instinct to help out where I can and not being afraid to share thoughts and ideas regardless if they land or not. These are the qualities that go beyond any industry or role.
In my short time at MIBE, I've changed how I lead, not by directing, but by contributing. By asking questions instead of giving answers. My leadership journey didn't end when I started this new job; it just changed a bit. And what I've found is that this change is allowing me to grow in ways I didn't expect. I've grown as a contributor, listener, helper and support.
I've realized that no matter where someone may be in their leadership journey it's their leadership style that is a constant. It's the unique value you offer, and it's what will help you build trust and make an impact wherever you go. The world needs the very best of who you are, no matter where you are.
Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE Hospitality Culture Training
Owner, Footers Catering
P.S. WE WANT THE VERY BEST OF YOU! Join us at our MIBE Summit January 25th - 27th.
