Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/153540
ADVERTISEMENT Pat Topping, CEcD MACON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Senior Vice President (478) 621-2030 office When you were younger, were you in leadership roles? I was very fortunate. In my mid 20's I was involved with a major international automotive product company based here in Macon. Not only was I surrounded by strong leaders but I also had the opportunity to work directly with leaders of major national and international manufacturers. And I know that experience has helped me in my current role. I was also finishing my education so I was able to gain practical experience to complement my education. I have had tremendous company support that allowed me to be involved in leadership roles in my industry groups, serving on Boards, Executive Committees and as President of a national group all in my 30's - which gets 'younger' and 'younger' every day. 66 l MACON MAGAZINE (478) 320-9530 cell ptopping@maconworks.com What is your approach to leadership today? I want our team to have a sense of empowerment. I can't micro manage our team, I'm not good at that. So I want people to know what the outcomes are, give them the resources to get it done, and ask for guidance when they hit a snag. I don't necessarily look for experience in our field when hiring but people with certain skills, we can train. We are a small organization so we have to stretch ourselves, we make mistakes, but we learn from them and go forward. 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? I have the best job in Macon, GA. I get to work with leaders of major international companies like YKK, to name one, and also with many local family owned businesses. I work with leaders in our community both elected and non-elected. I learn something every day and I hope that makes me a better leader and a better person. Maybe 3 important qualities are: know what is expected and give them the resources to get it done. If I had to single out one real important mistake to avoid it might be this – I live in a world of bosses and Boards so don't let your boss/Board be surprised by something you should have told them about. 1. Surround yourself with people smarter than you. I know it's a cliché but it's true. 2. Listen, you don't have all the answers. 3. Hang out with successful people, and learn from them. What do you look for and how do you hire good people? I'm not really sure but I must be doing something right because the last four people I have hired have all gone on to bigger and better successes – two excellent economic developers, one is also a new mother of two; one a key member of a Mayor's staff; and one the Chief of Staff of one of the largest state agencies in Georgia. I did not enjoy losing any one of them but you can't look on it as losing a key team member but as gaining a new friend in higher places. And I'll add a 4th. You need a balance and I struggle here, but you need to balance your work world and your personal world. In your opinion, what is the single biggest mistake a leader can make? I don't know that I could narrow it down to one but it is important that you listen to people, let your team AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013