Jonno White
Dec 5, 20233 min
Updated: Dec 29, 2023
Lucas Bonner is founder and CEO of SynCore EDU LLC a surgical sterile processing consultiing firm www.syncoreedu.org. He also founded the Sole Foundation to help under served youth enter into medical programs. www.solefoundationsyncore.org
The most challenging part of leadership is obtaining staff by in. Leaders have to change past bad behaviors, processes and build morale all at once. There are tons of meetings, deadlines, and metrics to meet. Leaders have to be flexible, creative, and innovative to be successful.
I became a leader by constantly asking my bosses for training and growth opportunities. I was asked to head promotional projects which lead to more work and that further cemented my reputation. I was asked to lead several consulting projects which afforded me the opportunity to be a corporate trainer. I began to understand that in order to really make a difference I would need to be an entrepreneur.
My mornings are Pacific time but the business world is on Eastern time. I wake up at 4:30 a.m. to seize the day and most of my admin work is done before I have to deal with the staff directly. This gives me an advantage to be both responsible for my given duties but also allows me to be present for staff if needed. After work which sometimes can be half of any given day I relax by reading or just doing nothing. I like good food and sweets are my vice. As a leader you must enjoy the quiet times youre blessed with.
A leadership lesson that I have been reminded of is that some staff members want to do a good job but either dont truly know how, have been a product of poor management and training, or have been allowed to do things wrong. As a leader we must teach, confront issues head on, and give staff real information they can study for themselves.
The self aware leader by John C. Maxwell. Any leader has to know their strenghts and weaknesses. You have to know how to motivate your team and learn from each other. This book allowed me to look at myself and understand that leadership isnt about being always right or knowing everything. True leadership is building upon everyones strenghts on your team and building the weakest points. This book taught me to be a part of the team so that staff would better trust my leadership.
Collaboration is key to strong work relationships. Learn who your key players are and reach out to them for advice, guidance, and mentorship. Be firm but fair and approachable this will get you respect and trust.
Integrity will get you further than popularity. I have been hired many places where my beliefs were compromised and I chose to do the un-popular thing but right thing and sometimes it doesn't feel good but ultimately is good for you. When things feel uncomfortable that's a growth moment. I have had to make decisions that are about what will ultimately be best and not just band-aid a situation to appease someone. Integrity builds trust and that will further your career.