A recent message from Randy Wolken, President and CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, highlights the importance of leaders allowing themselves to be influenced by others. Wolken emphasizes that a leader’s effectiveness is tied to their willingness to listen and adapt based on input from colleagues and team members.
Wolken recounts his experience joining the Army in 1986 as part of the effort to build the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, Watertown, New York. He describes the task as both challenging and exciting, with a goal for his unit to become combat-ready within two years. According to Wolken, this was achieved through collective effort and strong leadership.
He specifically credits Lieutenant Colonel Belich, his squadron commander during that time, for demonstrating influential leadership by listening first and encouraging input from all levels. “Our squadron commander was Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Belich, one of the finest officers I’ve ever worked with. A Vietnam veteran, he was a true leader who led by example. He worked tirelessly to lead us. One of the things I most admired about him was that he always started by listening to his troops and allowed himself to be influenced throughout the mission. He would always ask me what I intended to do and cheer me on and encourage me to find the answers. It wasn’t just me; he did this with all his officers and soldiers. He served his team and his country with incredible humility and a servant heart. His influence on his troops was so significant because he allowed himself to be influenced by everyone he worked with,” Wolken said.
Wolken encourages other leaders to reflect on how they engage with their teams: “What are you doing to be influenced by those who work with you and for you? Do you listen first – and then share your thoughts? Do you trust those around you to tell you what you need to know? How can you increase the likelihood that others will share their hopes, concerns, and suggestions with you? These are questions we can all use to be influenced by others and grow our influence on others.”
The message concludes with an invitation for readers interested in receiving more insights from Wolken via email subscription.
