Foundations of Leadership: Why Learning Comes First
Mandy Terrill
Associate Chief Information Officer for Research at University of California, San Francisco
What's the significance of leaders focusing on learning before tackling their duties head-on? When leaders invest time in comprehending their roles and the organization, they establish a sturdy groundwork for informed decision-making and cultivate better relationships with team members and stakeholders. Mandy Terrill, serving as the Associate Chief Information Officer for Research at the University of California, San Francisco, advocates for the initial six months of learning and exploration. This approach allows leaders to acquire crucial insights, pinpoint major challenges, and devise effective strategies for sustainable progress.
Embracing Iterative Planning for Success
Creating a plan and allowing it to be iterative is a vital strategy for achieving long-term success, both in personal endeavors and professional projects. This approach recognizes that while initial planning is crucial, the real value comes from being flexible and adaptive. As new information and experiences come to light, it's essential to reassess and refine the plan continuously. This iterative process involves regularly collecting feedback, evaluating progress, and making necessary adjustments. By doing so, individuals and organizations can respond more effectively to unforeseen challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the plan remains relevant and actionable.
Mandy Terrill, Associate Chief Information Officer for Research at the University of California, San Francisco, embodies this iterative planning approach in her professional philosophy. She advocates for constant re-evaluation and adaptation, emphasizing that a static plan can quickly become obsolete in the fast-paced world of information technology and research. By actively listening and paying attention to emerging data and trends, Terrill ensures that her strategies are not only well-informed but also dynamically adjusted to meet evolving needs. This commitment to iterative planning has enabled her to lead with agility and precision, fostering innovation and achieving sustained success in her field.
Aligning Mentors with Professional Goals
Throughout her career, Mandy Terrill has recognized the invaluable role of mentors in guiding her professional journey. From early on, she understood the importance of seeking guidance from experienced individuals who could provide insight and support. Terrill's commitment to mentorship was evident in her dedication to maintaining a strong network of mentors throughout her career. However, she also embraced the reality that as her career trajectory evolved, so too did her need for different perspectives and expertise. Terrill understood that there always comes a time when one must transition to new mentors, aligning with the direction of their professional growth. This willingness to adapt and seek guidance from diverse sources ensured that Terrill continually received the support and advice necessary to navigate the complexities of her role as Associate Chief Information Officer for Research at the University of California, San Francisco.
Terrill's experience highlights the importance of recognizing when it's time to change mentors based on one's evolving goals and aspirations. This insight not only reflects her proactive approach to personal and professional development but also underscores the dynamic nature of mentorship. By acknowledging the need for new mentors to accompany her on each stage of her journey, Terrill ensured that she continued to receive relevant guidance and wisdom, ultimately contributing to her success as a leader in her field.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Mandy Terrill's journey to the top level in technology was undoubtedly shaped by the unwavering support of her husband. With his selflessness, he scaled back his own job to part-time, allowing Mandy to pursue her career goals while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and education. Her husband's willingness to share in the domestic duties, coupled with Mandy's dedication to both her full-time job and her master's degree studies during evenings and weekends, exemplifies the power of partnership in achieving professional success.
David, too, credits much of his success to the steadfast support of his wife. Together, they navigated the challenges of pursuing higher education and building a career while raising a family. His wife's commitment to managing the household and contributing financially during David's studies illustrates the importance of mutual support and sacrifice in achieving shared goals. Their partnership, rooted in love and collaboration, has been instrumental in propelling both Mandy and David to the pinnacles of their respective careers.
Self-Reliance and Success: The Cornerstones of Leadership
David's journey toward leadership began with a profound lesson from his father about self-reliance and personal responsibility. Despite facing financial challenges and shouldering the burden of supporting himself through school, David realized the invaluable lesson his father was imparting: the importance of being the leader of his own life. This early experience taught David that true leadership begins with taking ownership of one's circumstances and responsibilities. By working tirelessly to balance a full-time job, full-time studies, and caring for his family, David honed the skills necessary to lead himself towards success, setting the foundation for his future leadership roles in technology.
Similarly, Mandy's path to leadership was marked by challenges that demanded resilience and self-reliance. Coming from a town where financial resources were abundant, Mandy found herself in a different reality, working multiple jobs while pursuing her education. Despite the exhaustion and uncertainty about basic needs, Mandy persevered, realizing that leadership of one's own life requires taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions. Through her experiences of juggling work, school, and caregiving responsibilities, Mandy learned to navigate adversity with determination and grace, laying the groundwork for her future leadership in the technology field.
Conclusion
The narratives of Mandy Terrill and David underscore the significance of several key principles in leadership development. By prioritizing learning before leading, individuals like Terrill establish a strong foundation for informed decision-making and effective relationship-building. Embracing iterative planning ensures adaptability and responsiveness to evolving circumstances, crucial traits in today's dynamic work environment. Additionally, the importance of mentorship and partnership cannot be overstated, as demonstrated by the unwavering support of Terrill's husband and David's wife, which enabled both leaders to navigate challenges and achieve success. Finally, self-reliance emerges as a cornerstone of leadership, as evidenced by David and Mandy's experiences of taking ownership of their circumstances and responsibilities. Together, these narratives highlight the multifaceted journey towards leadership excellence, characterized by continuous learning, adaptability, support, and personal accountability.
Written by Dhan Ababa
“Make a plan and let it be iterative.”
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