It took some time before I was able to realize that she truly was in need of some leadership training. She often made people feel demeaned, unappreciated, and did not display competence in the areas she was trying to promote within the business. For example, the company had to go through a mandated electronic health record implementation and she expected we all become proficient in the software. However, it did not appear that she made learning the software a large priority. While she did attend some training on the software, she often would allow herself to be pulled away by other, more important issues. Knowing that leaders are in high demand, and realizing that she was the CEO of not one, not two, but three organizations, I am not throwing stones. I commend her for doing as much as she did. However, the person she appointed to be in charge also did not have competence in the software, nor did she engage the employees. The Vice President was often asleep at her large desk and would leave early to go home, never returning to work. People would watch as her car would drive out of the parking lot, knowing they were required to stay past 5 p.m.
I could see some positive qualities in each of these leaders, but the leaders that brought out the best in me were those leaders that inspired. The leaders that really helped you see the best in you. That leader has been Dr. Linda Pittenger. This incredible woman is humble and allows others to see their value through reflective processes. Not only does she help you feel empowered and challenged, she will personally get behind your effort and support your endeavors. She moves from a role of professor into a role of mentor and coach. She inspires students to achieve their best. She does not accept less than what can be delivered because she knows her students can reach the highest levels of academic success. Her personal career has proven that she can overcome the stereotypes and inequalities in the workforce and rise to the top as an amazingly empowered female leader. Her leadership has sparked a hope among other women that we too can climb the ladder to success, even among those that are unable to walk at all! She has helped me personally through overcoming my disability and believing that I can continue to lead from a wheelchair. She even helped me compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant and it was the hope she provided that encouraged me to keep going even when I was exhausted!
Boyatzis and McKee (2005), state, "[Resonant] leaders are moving people- powerfully, passionately, and purposefully."(p.2) Dr. Pittenger ("Dr. P") does just that. She motivates her students and those within her circles of influence to identify their purpose, communicate it passionately and increase their own power of influence through a resonant manner. I hope to one day reflect this same resonance that has been modeled to me by Dr. P.!
Biography of Dr. Linda M. Pittenger. (n.d.). Retrieved
August 15, 2016, from http://emr.case.edu/about/linda-pittenger.pdf
Press.
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