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ADVERTISEMENT Mechel McKinley MAIN STREET MACON MANAGER Business and Economic Development Specialist Economic and Community Development Department (478) 803-2436 When you were younger, were you in leadership roles and if so, what were they? I have held leadership positions for a number of organizations I have been associated with. I was the drum major in high school (cue the band geek jokes) and held several offices in my sorority. I have served on a number of different boards both in Birmingham and Macon and all of those positions have taught me different things about leadership. What is your approach to leadership today? Being a leader is more about letting people lead themselves. I'm not a micro-manager because I don't like to be micro-managed. When it comes to concrete things that have to be accomplished I trust people to get to the goal in the way that works best for them (within reason). In more social leadership roles, I try to lead by my own actions. For example, I think it is important to be involved in the community. So I get involved. I basically told Brad Evans I was going to be on the Bragg Jam Board several years ago. I served as a Susan G. Komen for the Cure volunteer for fifteen years. When I hear people complain about things I often ask them how they are trying to change it. If the answer is nothing I encourage them to find the thing they are passionate and go and do it. What are the 3 most important qualities of a good leader? OR What are the most important leadership lessons you have learned over the years? Listening. This is something I struggle with and am always striving to do better. I often end up in situations with different community partners where I am acting as a sort of mediator. In those conversations, what I want to say isn't what is important. I have to listen to what people are saying and try to make sure that each "side" is hearing what is actually being said and not what they think they are hearing. Patience. Part of not being a micro-manager means that sometimes people accomplish the goal in a way that is different than how I would have done it myself. Watching that happen takes a tremendous amount of patience. My way isn't always right. People have different styles. It is important to respect that. Humility. While my close friends may laugh I always try to remain humble. Generally, nothing is accomplished by one person, and I always try to recognize and applaud the team effort that it took to get to the end goal. Main Street is based on partnerships so I have to practice humility in everything I do. I am proud of my accomplishments but I know I didn't get here on my own. In your opinion, what is the single biggest mistake a leader can make? Taking herself too seriously. Being a leader isn't easy. It means long hours, sacrifices and hard work. If you can't have a sense of humor about all of that then you will make yourself and all of those around you crazy. 58 l MACON MAGAZINE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013