AUG NIBJ: Leadership found in everyday moments, common goals

On the face of it, leadership seems a simple thing.

Good leaders inspire and guide others, helping them be the best versions of themselves. Actions, not words; or perhaps more accurately, actions complement the words — turning goals into reality, driving businesses, groups and programs forward.

There is vision involved — a picture of what the future looks like, a direction of where to go and how to get there; a shared goal of who and what the business — and its employees — see as their common identity.

Consider Jameson Smith, CEO at Kootenai Health. Smith said leadership means inspiring, challenging, empowering and encouraging employees.

"It all starts with inspiration – defining our vision and purpose, why is it meaningful, declaring that we have the potential to be the best at what we do and that we are engaged in something bigger than ourselves," Smith told the North Idaho Business Journal.

It means setting high standards; and giving employees the tools and skills to meet and exceed those targets.

Nick Smoot, CEO  of the Innovation Collective, likes to wake up early to center his day. Mornings are spent with family before heading into work with the day's start reserved for creative planning, strategy and working on challenges. Afternoons are spent with people: meetings, phone calls and collaboration.

Leadership is often comprised of tiny decisions, Smoot says. One minute can bring major initiatives and the next, a focus a small detail.

"Leadership isn’t glamorous. Sometimes you’re negotiating partnerships. Sometimes you’re clearing roadblocks with government agencies," he told the North Idaho Business Journal. "Sometimes you’re plunging a toilet because it needs to be done. None of those jobs are beneath a leader if they move the mission forward."

Leadership is found in the small, quiet moments where trust and empowerment are found; in creating teams and a shared purpose.

When Shoshone County Sheriff Shawn Wehr took over the position earlier this year, the agency was in chaos: multiple changes in leadership, public controversy, budget concerns and more. Yet within months, calm has emerged from the turmoil.

He focused on building trust and empowering employees to do their jobs, he told NIBJ staff.

"I've learned over the course of my military service and nearly three decades in law enforcement that leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room," Wehr said. "It's about earning trust, making sound decisions under pressure and treating people with respect."

Service, vision, integrity and community. All words used by leaders in Idaho's five northern counties to describe their roles.

They serve as much as they lead; they inspire, listen and empower; and the success that follows is a result of that shared effort and purpose.

Dive into this month's North Idaho Business Journal to learn from our region's leaders.

Caroline Lobsinger

NIBJ Editor