Tim McKernan
Facility manager, EJ Co, Inc.
1. “Never give up — I have learned that difficult times make you into the person you are. Running from problems never solves anything. The same problems will be wherever you go. Success comes to those who stick with it.
2. “Empower and support your team — “We are only as good as the people on our team. Hire good people and then give them the support they need to be successful. We all rise and fall together.
3. “Listen to your customer — “If we listen to our customer and design solution they value, this will bring good success. Too often a company turns a deaf ear to what their customers are saying and don’t respond accordingly.
4. “Adapt and embrace change — “We live in a world that is changing at a rapid rate. To be successful you must embrace change and look for opportunities that emerge during those times. The quicker we adapt the better.
5. “Passion for what you do — “People are drawn to those who have a passion for what they do; a belief that you are making a difference.”
Robert A. Corradino
Oswego Mayor
1. “Always be a good listener. You learn more by talking less and listening more.
2. “Being organized is critical to being efficient and successful in your job and life.
3. “Short-term planning. Every day before I go to bed, I write down a plan for the next day. Long-term planning for future and quantifiable goals. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
4. “Self-motivation is important to keep going regardless of circumstances or issues.
5. “There is no ‘I’ in team. Teamwork is an important component to success for any organization or individual.”
Mike Backus
President and CEO of Oswego Health
1. “The late great basketball coach, Jim Valvano famously said, ‘have your emotions brought to tears…if you laugh, you think and you cry every day…that’s a full day, that’s a heck of a day.’ I think having emotions and being accepting of them is an important trait of a successful leader.
It shows passion and drive, commonality and connection — all traits that a leader should aspire to have.
2. “Positivity leads to productivity. A positive upbeat attitude will drive your team to continue sharpening whatever saw they are grinding on at present. This is essential to leadership in my view as productivity leads to tangible results. Being upbeat and positive also will help a leader manage speed bumps and uncertainty when it undoubtedly presents itself.
3. “Limit distractions by valuing time, a finite resource. Time is fleeting and if you want to be successful you had better understand that from the outset. It waits for no one; it doesn’t slow down and it will outlast you. By controlling distractions a leader can guarantee success by taking firm control of their calendar. Often leaders take on outside responsibilities such as board seats or volunteer opportunities that are meaningful, but distractions from their core mission. I am guilty of this. It’s wonderful to be thought of as someone who an organization wants on their letterhead — just be sure missions and expectations of time are aligned.
4. “Believe in yourself; find opportunities to demonstrate belief in others. A leader who doesn’t believe in themselves can never be successful. People are smart and they see through fake, inauthentic approaches to leadership. Confidence goes along with belief. I’ve always been a confident person and one who approaches belief with a modicum of skepticism. One of my favorite phrases is, “Tell me I’m wrong.” Sometimes I am and as a leader, I want my team to know they are more than able to question my thought process and their questioning often leads to strengthening the instincts or process I used to get where I am. Demonstrating that belief in others, either through work processes or tasking someone with a duty that normally you might take on yourself, allows for growth. The ability to transcend from a singular leader to a “leader of leaders” is my definition of high performance.
5. “To whom much is given, much is required. This is a fundamental axiom that summarizes my entire approach to leadership. I have been blessed to have had numerous opportunities presented to me professionally based on my education, background, experience and leadership ability. I believe that phrase statement — to whom much is given, much is required — is the responsibility for the opportunities.
President Peter O. Nwosu
SUNY Oswego
1. “Lead with your values: Be humble. We’ve all come to our roles in our own pair of shoes. Remember your leadership journey and use that story to inspire your team and motivate others.
2. “Lead with collaboration: Always engage others. Remember the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
3. “Reframe problems to be solved as opportunities to improve: Do your homework. Gather all the data and anecdotal evidence you need before making big decisions.
4. “Be seen: Make the time and show up at events as best as possible. Drop in on meetings and gatherings, get lunch in the cafeteria. Make unexpected visits to your facilities and workplaces and meet people.
5. “Take care of your physical and mental health: exercise, stay hydrated, get enough rest.”
Joseph Murabito
President and managing member Elemental Management Group
1. “Consistency of routine and lifestyle…keep it real and grounded.
2. “Physical exercise routinely…strenuous stuff.
3. “Family life and participation…staying present.
4. “Continual self-reflection to allow for objectivity and the ability to pivot
5. “Diversified interests and pursuits in life….you don’t live to work.”
Tricia Peter-Clark
President and CEO, ConnextCare
“I have way more than five. So I will consolidate the list!
1. “Prioritize your health and well-being. I start each day at 5:15 a.m. with either a run on my treadmill or bike ride on my Peloton. It clears my head and gives me energy to power through the day!
2. “Be decisive.
3. “Give recognition and praise to those who demonstrate hard work or go above and beyond within their roles.
4. “Always have a plan. But remain nimble in your ability to adapt to changes.
5. “Build a positive and encouraging work environment that you are proud to be a part of.
