Reaction Blog to a Management & Leadership Presentation

This blog makes reference to a presentation that was conducted on April 11, 2011 (my birthday) at Towson University. The guest speaker, one Dr. Robert Hamilton, is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the James F. Knott Realty Group, a commercial and residential real estate development company here in the Baltimore, MD area.

What really intrigued me by his presentation was not only the multitude of information that he provided regarding organizational behavior and leadership attributes, but specifically his excerpt on creating self-awareness. Dr. Hamilton broke down the basics of what his interpretation of self-awareness contained: 4 fundamental attributes that included Business Skills, Leadership Skills, Interpersonal Skills, and Intrapersonal Skills. Hamilton provided direct reasoning and ideas behind his ranking of importance of the 4 skill sets, along with real life examples (always a positive in a presentation).

What really struck me most was his reference to leaders and management figures in an awkward, but subtle fashion. Hamilton linked the two designations to an iceberg, ideally a large piece of ice that floats along in the Antarctica continent. As Hamilton explains, "typically, an iceberg only shows the top layers. A GREAT leader who really knows themselves reveals more of their iceberg to their colleagues and staff."

Taking a quick look at the picture, the viewer will notice that most leadership figures will present the highest points and valleys of their iceberg. The very rare leaders will have more of their iceberg floating above the water to expose their true leadership attributes. I'm not one who typically examines, rather describes, a physical reference made within a presentation but I felt this was fitting. Moreover, I am originally from Minnesota where after 4-5 months of a 'short' winter, the spring will emerge and the lakes will become floating mirages of what could be seen as "mini-icebergs" to those unfamiliar with the natural occurrences.

What is Leadership Exactly?

I was pleasantly surprised by a comment received last week in my last blog from someone who I consider a true leader, my father, Charles. He stated, and I quote, "Always remember to give recognition to the ones that deserve it. Without dropping the ball, always support the ones striving to achieve it."

I was a bit floored by his comments primarily because this was truly a piece of advice that made me ponder his thoughts.

By definition, leadership is an act that involves influencing, motivating, or empowering others to contribute towards an effective and (hopefully) successful endeavor. Now, I haven't specifically geared this towards an organizational thought, but if that was necessary I would have to include ideals such as allocating resources, key personnel, lines of communication, and management tactics (to say the least). What had especially floored me by my father's quote was the tactful sincerity that was offered. Although his words imply a sense of achievement, you must remember those who have fostered your progress from start to present: your parents, family, teachers, etc...

In this case, my business fundamentals were all derived from my parents as I was involved in a family-owned operation when I was only 12-years old. Not only was I involved, but everyday customers asked for me by name as I was the local 'guru' and source of knowledge.


As I review my current level of leadership, I realize that I uphold a host of cultural and personal values, in addition to the fact that envision direct, supportive, participatory, and achievement-focused styles of work. I'm not mandating that my fellow co-workers and/or subordinates tailor their work to this mold; however, it will make my stream of workflows much easier.

I've always said that when all team members are on the same page, completing tasks are much easier than two employees who are in different levels. I'm not about 're-inventing' the wheel, rather making the process smoother and a safer ride!