6 Minutes with a CEO

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Wednesday, October 6, 2010

6 Minutes with a CEO Everett McElveen President & CEO Life'sWork of Western PA *When did you first have aspirations of being a CEO?* I am uncertain of the specific moment I had thoughts about being a CEO but it was early in my career while I worked at a men's homeless shelter. I had many conversations with my supervisor at the time about the inherent limitation of programs and resources that had so many rules and regulations that many people who needed help couldn't get it due to not fitting neatly into someone's regulatory box. I was often frustrated by this reality and wanted to change it. I never thought I could change the world but believed if I had the opportunity to head an organization that organization would find a way to help people regardless of any limiting factors. We would try always to do the right thing. What experience (formal or informal) do you feel has been the most helpful in the development of your leadership skills? The most helpful experience in the development of my leadership skills was being around my father who recently retired from the ministry after over 50 years with the same congregation. I saw and heard him year after year intercede in the lives of others in various ways from just a prayer to speaking on behalf of someone in a court of law. I saw him lead by example and that sincerity of commitment cannot be faked. People do not follow or work beside someone for a common goal if they do not believe the leader's passion for what they believe in is genuine. You can only fake commitment for so long before it becomes evident to those you lead and then inevitably things fall apart. What role has mentoring played in your professional development? I am fortunate to have had many people take an interest in my professional development; however, two individuals stand out at pivotal points in my career. Debbie Waid, who is with the Humanities Foundation in Charleston SC and Lenita Jacobs-Simmons, who is currently a Regional Administrator for the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. Both of these women took the time to talk to me about their experiences as leaders and how they arrived at making critical career decisions. To this day, I think of them and conversations we had years ago that are relevant in my present day position. Internally to Life'sWork of WPA I purposefully share information with staff to further there knowledge and understanding of circumstances they have yet to encounter and or are currently facing. These two people did it for me and I believe I am obligated to do it for others. What's the best leadership advice you ever received? Education does not build character and character can not be developed in the workplace. The intent of this advice was to help me realize that in building a team you will not undo who someone is and that education alone does not make someone somebody. When developing younger leaders, what methods and approaches do you find work the best? In developing younger leaders I find that giving them increased responsibility with the assurance that making a mistake is not fatal but expected works. I find that creating an environment that is open, based on trust and a commitment that you are interested in their well being personally and professionally works best. Given that this is your first CEO role, what about the job was unexpected and has surprised you the most? I believe the biggest surprise was how difficult it is for people to see beyond your title and see you for the person you truly are. I guess the title President of the United States might set people back a bit but in my mind we are all just people with our good days, bad days and baggage. It has taken a lot of work to help people get over titles and realize what matters is are you doing your part to reach our common goal – not the title under your name on your business card. People would be surprised to know this about me… People would be surprised to know that I am a newlywed. I was married a little over two months ago in Charleston SC with my father as the minister. *Leadership lesson you'd like to pass on to our readers…* I guess some advice about leadership is always be who you are and be that everyday. I guess the other part of that is make sure you know who you are because others will always attempt to define you. Facts about Life'sWork of Western PA Mission: "Life'sWork of Western PA is a United Way affiliated non-profit organization whose mission is to continue its comprehensive and innovative role of assisting persons with disabilities or other barriers to employment to achieve independence and dignity through productive employment opportunities." Life'sWork of Western PA 1323 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412.471.2600 www.lifesworkwpa.org Life'sWork of Western PA Opportunity. Employment. Independence.
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