Marilee Daugherity

Leadership Lessons
One of the greatest lessons I ever learned is to treat people the way I want to be treated. It is also important to create an environment where there is neutrality and where everyone can feel comfortable. It is key that everyone feels they are a valued and valid part of the team. Listen and ask for everyone’s opinions, thoughts and ideas. You never know who within your team will have the next great idea, so it’s always a great idea to encourage that open and free dialogue.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Learn as much as you can about a vast variety of subjects. You will keep your mind new and fresh with ideas by reading books, attending seminars, attending a mastermind group or taking a class. Never think you know it all. Never ask someone to do something you have not done or are not willing to do. Lift up others and inspire them to be great leaders too.

Being a leader is definitely not easy. Anyone who says that it comes naturally is not telling the truth. It takes time, dedication, balance, support and so much more. There is rarely just one way to do anything and if something is not working then you probably just need to reevaluate it. It is absolutely OK to fail and how you come back from that failure is a valuable part of what defines you as a true leader.