An interview with OWU alumnus and business leader Mike Hamra
Mike Hamra graduated from Ohio Wesleyan in 1991 and is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hamra Enterprises. During his visit to OWU in February, he generously gave his leadership advice in an interview:
• What traits make for a good leader?
A good leader is someone who is doing what they want to do. As long as I’m having fun with what I’m doing, I know I’ll be successful at it. Another important trait is being good at aligning people. Support collaboration so that everyone has an opportunity to participate. When people have the opportunity to participate they can take ownership in what they are doing.
• Why is appreciation important for leaders?
It is important to let people know when they’ve done a good job, to acknowledge when people have committed to something and followed through to achieve it. It is important also to hold people accountable. That doesn’t mean making someone wrong; it means supporting them.
• What can leaders do when things aren’t going their way?
Leadership to me is about listening. Listen to what matters to the person you’re listening to and put your own opinions aside. Recognize and acknowledge that there are other ways of doing things- usually in every situation.
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This month’s leader tips:
Set SMARTER goals!
Goal-setting is important for personal growth as well as for the development of a club or organization. Determine and write down goals following these criteria:
- Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
- Measurable: How will you determine if you’ve accomplished it?
- Attainable: Break it down into steps. Get the resources you need to make it happen.
- Realistic: Be honest about what can be done, but still challenge yourself!
- Time-Framed: When will you reach the goal?
- Excitable: Make it something you are truly passionate about doing.
- Reviewed: Look over what you’ve done along the way. What worked? What didn’t?
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Ways to make your members feel special!
Sincere recognition of efforts makes members more invested in the organization’s work. Take a look at these ideas to custom-fit appreciation efforts to the individuals in your organization:
- Give pictures from events to give to members as momentos.
- Hand write a thank-you note, writing exactly why you are thanking them.
- Nominate them for campus-wide awards (You are OWU, Golden Bishops, etc.).
- Make sure to thank your club advisors!
Image courtesy of baudville.com
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