As a leader, one of the hardest truths to admit is that there was a time when I wasn’t effective. Looking in the mirror and realizing that “I failed those around me” was a humbling and painful moment. My leadership immaturity once blinded me to key aspects of what it meant to lead effectively, and it showed in my decisions and interactions. But rather than hiding from my past, I’ve learned to embrace it as a foundation for growth. Those mistakes have shaped the leader I am today and taught me that leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being authentic, owning your missteps, and using them as stepping stones for growth.
Early in my career, I focused more on results than people. I worked in a culture that valued efficiency over connection and measured leadership solely by task completion. My leadership style wasn’t malicious; it stemmed from a lack of awareness. I modeled what I saw—leaders prioritizing outcomes over personal growth. I realize now that true leadership isn’t just about getting the job done but inspiring and empowering others along the way. The turning point came when I understood that admitting when you’re wrong, seeking input, and valuing the voices of others are essential to fostering trust and effective leadership.
Today, I use those hard-earned lessons to guide others and build a culture centered on empathy, understanding, and growth. Leadership isn’t about imposing principles disconnected from real-life challenges; it’s about authentically engaging with your team. I listen to their struggles, share my experiences, and remain present for them.
Along the way, I’ve found a few strategies to navigate leadership challenges more effectively:
Be Present: Crisis reveals character. Don’t hide from your people or the problem. Lead with purpose, face challenges head-on, and communicate with honesty, empathy, and transparency.
Prioritize Listening over Talking: Make people feel heard. When someone speaks, focus entirely on their message instead of planning your response. Ask meaningful follow-up questions and follow through if action is needed—broken promises erode trust.
Speak with Intent, Not Volume: Leadership isn’t about saying more; it’s about saying the right thing at the right time. Keep your message clear, concise, and impactful.
Have Hard Conversations: Comfortable inaction is never a leader’s ally. Address issues directly and with clear expectations. Your team is often aware of the problem—they’re waiting to see if you have the courage to confront it. Be prepared to receive feedback if you’re the problem.
Control Emotional Responses: Emotional noise dilutes your message. When tensions rise, pause before reacting. A mentor once called this “taking a tactical pause.” Lower your voice and deliver your message calmly and clearly.
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Every step, misstep, and lesson along the way shapes us into the leaders we strive to be. My past mistakes no longer define me; they empower me to improve and help others grow. I’ve cultivated a workplace rooted in honesty, learning, and resilience by sharing these lessons. While I wasn’t the leader I wanted to be in the beginning, the beauty of leadership lies in growth. Together, we’re creating a future where learning and progress are at the heart of everything we do.
Wes Hill
Fire Chief – Fort Riley Fire & Emergency Services
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