Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1020464
46 WAC Magazine | wac.net Laura Inveen King County Superior Court Judge Member since 1992 Leadership is not taught in law school. As one of 53 independently elected judges in King County, the presid- ing judge's authority is granted by peers. I've learned to surround myself with people with strengths in areas that I recognize are my weaknesses. Care about get- ting things done; don't worry about getting the credit. Be a consensus builder, but be prepared to make hard choices. Be kind. Have a sense of humor. Don't take things personally. Tracy Garrett Maj. Gen. U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) Member since 2012 e ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have. —Sheryl Sandberg Good leaders are avid students of leadership, reading management theory, leaders' biographies, and histo- ry. ey also look in unexpected places to observe techniques of leadership. Even a bad example is worth studying; now you know what not to do! Understanding that leaders emerge in al- most every setting means that we all have unlimited opportuni- ties to grow and change to become stronger and more effective. Casey Cady Product Delivery Leader and Coach Member since 2017 Accomplishments are borne by individuals doing good work, but there are limits to what any one person can achieve. Great leaders un- derstand this and focus their energy on helping people come together, li each other up, and become a team greater than the sum of its parts . Pete Shimer Chief Financial Officer, Deloitte WAC Chairman, 2005–2006 Member since 1990 We have all come across outstanding leaders. ey come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Sometimes it is a coach, a pastor, a work colleague, or even a family member. To me, true leadership is embod- ied by people who think about the greater good and are not worried about taking personal cred- it. e output of the team is what really matters. ey are also constantly looking to pay forward the lessons they have learned. At its heart, this is the essence of servant leadership, which is the most powerful and sustainable form of leadership. Leslie Jackson Chihuly President & CEO, Chihuly Studio Member since 1994 Effective leadership requires honest self-reflection. Be honest about your passions, skills and weaknesses, and surround yourself with individuals whose expertise you can rely on. Once you have a great team in place, empower them, listen to them, and use the best ideas. Seek a men- tor for guidance and support. Most im- portant, protect and prioritize your own quality of life to ensure you sustain the energy and enthusiasm to inspire others. Gil Kerlikowske Seattle Police Chief, 2001–2009 Member since 2001 I took over the Seattle Police Department short- ly aer the World Trade Organization meeting in November of 1999. As the people of Seattle and those around the world viewed, the protests disrupted the meetings and de- stroyed property. I took over a force that was the subject of multiple "reviews" of its action and was widely blamed for many of the problems that occurred during WTO. e mission was to rebuild the morale and the self-confidence of what was and is a very fine police department. e lesson: Support the people in your organization. I le with crime at its lowest level in 40 years and many Seattle police commanders who were later recruited to lead police departments across the country. Leadership M I C K R O C K