Leading with Purpose, Courage and Accountability

I encourage every public leader to operate through three core leadership philosophies that have guided my choices and shaped how I interact with my team.

Lead with Empathy to Build Stronger Teams   

Leadership in public service means listening, collaborating and connecting to a service-oriented mindset. Employees want to feel heard and respected, and they need to know that their daily work moves the mission forward.  

Empathy can coexist with accountability. To strike this balance, public sector leaders should practice: 

• Active listening 
• Transparency 
• Recognition 
• Being present and approachable 

Leadership is Multiplication 

One of the most important responsibilities of a leader is to develop others. Invest intentionally in your team members. Lead by example and inspire others through action and service. Create opportunities for emerging leaders through assignments that stretch their talents and encourage confidence, initiative, growth and innovation. 

Supporting future leaders makes our teams more successful today and strengthens the effectiveness of government service for generations to come.  

Leadership is What People Experience 

Values are not just posters on the wall. They must show up in our decisions, our communication and how we navigate difficult conversations. Ultimately, they guide how we treat our employees and the public we serve. 

Leaders should consistently live these core values: 

• Integrity 
• Accountability 
• Courage 
• Respect 
• Compassion 
• Authenticity 

Courage and Accountability Is Leadership in Action 

Operating in the public sector means we are constantly navigating a challenging landscape of historically low public trust. 

As leaders, we must take radical ownership and admit our mistakes. We are required to make difficult decisions, address problems directly and stand up for what is right. Without courageous and accountable leadership, trust erodes, morale declines and organizational silos develop out of confusion.

Reactive leadership creates instability. Intentional leadership builds trust and a progress-driven culture.  

True strategic alignment requires balancing purpose, strategy and workforce needs. This is not an abstract strategic planning document.  

Public sector leaders must deeply understand both their mission and their operational landscape by constantly asking: Where are we now? Where do we need to be? How can we get there?  

To build this capacity, focus heavily on: 

• Long-term thinking 
• Workforce planning 
• Adaptability  
• Collaboration  

Our work matters because people depend on it every day.  

While government service may not always be visible, its impact is felt deeply by families, businesses and communities.  

As you grow as a leader, never forget where you came from and the values that make your work meaningful. After decades of service, for me it is still about teaching. I feel the greatest fulfillment when I see my employees become more effective in their roles or watch Ohioans develop a clear understanding of our laws.  

Through public service, I’ve found a path to positively influence others. My career has given me an opportunity to leave organizations, communities, systems and people better than I found them.