When you are in a leadership position, it is more than essential that the people with whom you work respect you. But, as the old adage goes, respect is never a given.
In the years I was privileged to serve as Cook County Commissioner, I came to respect Rena Rogers.
As we all know, respect is not something that you get just because you are put in a position; after all, any system is prone to manipulation, even when a person finds himself or herself in charge of something because there just wasn’t anyone else around to step in!
True respect, according to dictionary.com, is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
The following is a short accounting of how Rena Rogers earned my respect:
Came prepared
Early on, I was impressed with Rena’s commitment to inform commissioners regarding proposals that involved the spending of taxpayer dollars. She stood out in this regard. She was both confidently and casually informative, factual and thorough in her presentations; always welcoming and clarifying any follow up questions commissioners might have.
Thought strategically
One could tell her proposals were framed in a broader context. They were consistently thought through and well reasoned. I grew to appreciate the absence of “emotional lobbying” in her delivery, which was all too common in many presentations that came before the board.
Nurtured her staff
You could very often catch a hint of pizza in the air in the Information Systems (IT) Department and you knew Rena was either applauding or encouraging her staff’s efforts. Rena believed in sharing the harvest of the momentum built with others, knowing people who genuinely feel valued and appreciated tend to excel in their performance. She invested the time to acknowledge and understand the unique ways each of her staff looked at things and would innovate. She always seemed to be on the lookout for ways to enable their talent.
Earned respect
Too many leaders take their titles and authority for granted. Some leaders believe that they are owed and/or command some level of (unearned) respect just because of where they are positioned on the organizational chart. Rena legitimately earned respect; from those who worked under her leadership, from fellow peers, and from me– not just from the position I found myself elected to, but also as a person, apart from the title.
Willing to “stick her neck out” on behalf of her peers
Because Rena was respected, and therefore trusted by her peers, she was asked to represent their concerns before the county administrator, when they were wrongly excluded from the annual evaluation process. Rena’s advocacy resulted in repercussions that only proved to validate staff’s concerns. While there are countless numbers of individuals who find it easier to shelter in the shadows and not speak up, Rena demonstrated that she remained worthy of their respect, a voice that others could depend upon.
Owned her decisions
There are not a lot of leaders who are willing to admit when they are wrong. Their ego and self-defined image stand in the way. When an individual chooses the wrong path and never admits their mistake, or should they attempt to protect those who have done wrong (including themselves), they soon discover they have dug a deeper hole from which to climb when they are endeavoring to earn respect. Rena chooses the path of vulnerability in her honesty.
It was never about position or dominance
I appreciated that Rena possessed a broad enough mind to embrace the differences that make each of us unique. I found she willingly fostered an environment of respectful listening, believing everyone deserves to be heard, even if she didn’t always agree with the other person’s ideas or opinions. She seemed to despise false promises and people who created lots of unnecessary noise to get attention.
Authentic and kindhearted
I have found the most respected leaders are the most authentic people. Rena’s executive presence is genuine and true. She has made those around her feel that they matter and she has welcomed constructive dialogue regardless of hierarchy or rank.
Observing Rena over these years, since the moment I reviewed her resume some seven years ago, I have found her to be a kind-hearted person.
As you have heard me quote many a time regarding the importance of a person’s heart–“for from it flow the springs of life,”– Rena has demonstrated she has a steady well-spring of kindness that flows from her heart.
It is hoped Rena’s presence has created a long-lasting impact that will leave a positive mark on the county’s administration and, thereby, the people they serve.
Give thanks when thanks are due.
Former Cook County Commissioner Garry Gamble is writing this ongoing column about the various ways government works, as well as other topics. At times the column is editorial in nature.
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