Group Mentoring, Group 2 Session 1
The Leadership Development Group Mentoring Program continues with each group’s initial sessions. On Thursday, October 11, 2012, senior Robert 
Szeluga met with his group of Leadership students and executives. The discussion began by defining key characteristics of a leader as:
- Passion
- Trustworthy
- Integrity
- Competent
- Communication
- Vision/Mission
- Honesty
- Confidence
- Organized
- Creative
- Openness
- Humility
- Learner
- Authentic
- Teacher
- Negotiation
- Compassion
- Understanding
- Dedication
- Philanthropic
- Persevere
- Humor
- Listener
- Innovator
- Motivational
- Generous
- Empowering
- Adaptable
These characteristics were then broken down into groups, and the top 6 groups were chosen as follows:
- Passion, Motivation
- Trustworthy, Integrity, Honesty, Consistent
- Communicating
- Vision/Mission
- Humility, Learner
- Creativity, Innovator, Adaptable, Persevere
Other key topics of discussion regarding leadership included the following:
- Vision/Mission – It is important to know what direction the company is going in. A leader has vision in order to better the company
- Adaptability – Learn to go with the flow. You cannot control what happens. Always make sure to have a plan B.
- Passion from leaders changes attitudes and sets the tone for the group.
- Honesty – Be cautious and inform others
- Everyone is different. Take different approached when talking to others.
- The best listeners are those open to the situation
- Be honest and specific when giving advice. It is important to get comfortable with the uncomfortable conversation. Trust building will occur as a result.
- Surround yourself with people you can learn from – differences can lead to learning.
- Be open to new ideas/projects – always ask for more to do.
- There is time to figure it out – your likes will surprise you
- Find a career/job that you want to go to every day
- Nothing is beneath you – be willing to step up
- Leaders have to believe that they are pushing for good. Important to try to do the right thing every time
- Listening makes employees feel valuable.
- Everyone in the company is a leader by making the company move forward.
- Three Minute Leadership: On Perseverance
- Congratulations to One of Our Own – John Fleurant Promoted to Deputy Chief Financial Officer, New York Life Insurance Company