At last week’s Rotary meeting, we were treated to an engaging and insightful presentation from Sandy Weaver, a leadership and communication expert, who challenged us to embrace a "wagalicious" approach to leadership. Drawing inspiration from our furry friends, Sandy explained how to create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Her message was clear: when you lead with positivity, trust, and authenticity, your team will follow with enthusiasm. Sandy shared a few key traits to help us become the kind of leaders that employees *want* to work with:

1. Trustworthiness: Employees thrive when they know they can trust their leader. Be transparent, keep your word, and show up consistently for your team. A trustworthy leader creates a safe space for innovation and growth.
2. Communication: Clear and open communication fosters connection and eliminates confusion.  Actively listen to your employees, respond thoughtfully, and encourage dialogue. When communication is a two-way street, your team feels heard and appreciated.
3. Positivity: Much like the tail-wagging enthusiasm of a dog, a positive attitude from leadership can be contagious. Celebrate successes, uplift your team during challenges, and maintain an optimistic outlook. Positivity fuels productivity and creativity.
4. Empathy: Understand your team members' needs, goals, and challenges. Empathetic leaders build strong relationships and create a culture of support. When your employees know you care, they’ll be more likely to go the extra mile.
5. Accountability: Hold yourself and your team accountable for both successes and failures. Lead by example, take responsibility when things don’t go as planned, and encourage your employees to do the same. Accountability builds respect and trust. Sandy’s message reminded us that leading with a "wagalicious" attitude—exuding positivity, trust, and empathy—can transform your team’s morale and productivity.

As Rotarians, these leadership principles also reflect our commitment to service above self, inspiring others to join us in making a difference in our community and beyond. Let’s all strive to be a little more "wagalicious" in our leadership roles and continue building an environment where people are excited to work, collaborate, and serve alongside us!

Nancy Alterman
Roswell Rotary President, 2024-25
Service above Self
770.262.6300