By Lena Garrard | Staff writer
Leadership can be defined in many ways – by skills, abilities, charisma and personality, or by the way a leader carries themselves, interacts with others and shows empathy.
Two local nonprofit leaders define leadership as “servant-based.” They unpack what it means to exhibit servant leadership through their individual leadership styles and offer students helpful career advice, as well as tips for handling conflict.
Servant leadership
Corey Rogers, historian at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, is a voting member of the public art advisory panel for the greater Augusta arts council and a former chairman of the Georgia Historical Society marker review committee. Also a board member for Destination Augusta and Historic Augusta, Inc., Rogers believes leadership and service are strongly connected.
“If you can be out in the front but also one of many, serving a common purpose,” Rogers said, “it sets the example for those you are leading.”
Ashley Brown, executive director of Turn Back the Block – a nonprofit organization in Harrisburg, Ga., that focuses on revitalizing the neighborhood through home ownership – also sees service and leadership as interchangeable, particularly in the nonprofit field.
To her, leadership is being a role model and setting an example for those being led.
"If we want others around us to act in a certain way,” Brown said, “we need to quite literally show them how to act.”
That’s important, she noted, because not every skill can be put into words – many must be demonstrated.
Rising to positions of leadership
Rogers said one of the keys to success in any area of leadership is experience and longevity.
“Longevity is key,” he said. “It enables you to get to know ins and outs of the environment you are working in.”
He credits part of his success to being born and raised in Augusta, which allowed him to become familiar with the area and how it’s changed over the years.
Unlike Rogers, Brown unexpectedly found herself in her current position of leadership. She spent 21 years in sales and marketing and another 15 in pharmaceutical sales – careers heavily driven by numbers and a bottom line, which eventually wore her down.
“It was too transactional, and I was craving more relationship,” Brown said.
But, after significant personal life changes, she found the confidence to say, “This isn’t me anymore,” and began pursuing work in the nonprofit sector.
Handling conflict
When it comes to addressing issues and conflict, Rogers stressed the importance of developing rapport with the people you lead.
"I often talk with my staff about non-work-related topics,” he said. “This keeps things fun and light-hearted, and so, when an issue comes up, I’m already in open dialogue.”
Both Rogers and Brown emphasized the importance of being quick to listen and slow to speak.
"Listen to both sides of the story, nip it in the bud and do not let it fester,” Rogers said.
Brown added that being honest and clear about expectations, sleeping on it and agreeing on a way forward are crucial to resolving conflict.
“You might not agree on the issue at hand,” she said, “but you must agree on a way forward.”
She also reminded students that conflict is inevitable but is not always negative. In fact, conflict can be a good thing because it can help shape direction.
“I don’t always want to think the same as others 100 percent of the time,” Brown said. “Conflict is the gift of perspective.”
Lessons learned and final advice
Brown said the biggest lesson she’s learned in her current area of leadership is to not jump to conclusions about others because most of the time they have good intentions.
In addition, both Rogers and Brown stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are moving in the direction you want to go.
Rogers has had several mentors along the way and credits much of his growth to observation.
“You’re going to learn a lot – good and bad – just by watching someone,” he said. “You will realize what to do and what not to do based on what went well for them and what didn’t.”
He encouraged students to observe leaders around them and reflect on how they would approach similar situations.
Finally, both leaders advised students to embrace their individuality.
“Everyone has different personalities, so do not try to be something that you are not because people will see right through that,” Rogers said. “Go full steam ahead while considering the advice of others, but when it is time to make a decision, make it without hesitation.”
Rogers added that people will respect and want to follow those who are decisive and confident.
“Stay true to who you are as a person,” Brown said. “Stay grounded, be confident and trust yourself, your heart and your inquisitiveness!”
Contact Lena Garrard at legarrard@augusta edu.
