We’re Glad You’re Here

Written by: Deb Sparrow

Published:

“…it’s easy to be an arsonist. It’s much harder to be an architect.”

-Dawn Staley, Uncommon Favor

Arsonist or architect?

When it comes to your organization and your people, give yourself a quick rating. Are you more focused on building things up, or burning them down?

Why does it matter?

Dawn Staley’s new book, Uncommon Favor, recently reminded me of the magic that can happen in a culture focused on building leaders and teams, by encouraging people to be their best, most authentic selves.

The book emphasizes the lessons Staley learned as an elite level basketball player, coach, and leader. What held my attention throughout the pages was her candor. She shares her struggles along the path to success, including the frustrations vented inappropriately, the uncomfortable experiences that led to growth, and the doubts that sometimes kept her awake at night.

Derail your own train? Well, who hasn’t been there before? (with thanks to Sheryl Crow)

Like many of us, at times Dawn Staley  was more arsonist than architect. She knew she could be better, and her focus became not just building a winning basketball program, but creating a culture of connection that would lead to sustained success. In her words, her goal was  “…to bring people together. To change the processes that leave people out.”

She’s one of those leaders who found the magic in building a leadership culture based on recognizing and inspiring people to lean into their strengths and offer them opportunities to do so.

As a long-time women’s basketball fan, I added the book to my Audible queue to learn more about Staley’s path to success. She grew up in an inner-city housing project in Philadelphia where she first discovered basketball. From there she attended college at the University of Virginia, experiencing culture shock as one of few black students at the time. She went on to a professional playing career, becoming an Olympic gold medalist both as a player and coach, and eventually to her current role as head women’s basketball coach at the University of South Carolina.

It's an impressive resume.

I remember wondering why Staley would ever decide to take the position at the University of South Carolina. Not only was the program at the bottom of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) standings for many years, but this is also a state that continued to fly the Confederate battle flag at the Statehouse until 2015. As a visionary and determined Black woman, she somehow saw beyond the obvious disadvantages to future possibilities that could bring people together. She knew she wanted to give talented young women an opportunity and a voice in a community where they once had neither.

The best parts of Uncommon Favor are the lessons shared from her leadership journey, and how she came to embrace and prioritize connection, and value people over process. On her book tour over the past few months, she has emphasized her intent to lead with curiosity and through her actions, clearly communicate we’re glad you’re here.

Isn’t that a great cultural message?

We’re glad you’re here.

Do you remember the times in your life when you felt truly seen and welcomed?

Maybe a better question is, how well are you welcoming others?

And better yet, are the processes and policies within your organization and your culture leaving people out, or welcoming them in?

It can make all the difference in the world in how people succeed or struggle.

Many years ago, as an unsure college freshman in my first couple of weeks at school, I remember stopping by one of the offices at the student union. I don’t remember exactly why, probably to pick up my student ID card. It was just another thing to be done, another room to find, and I was feeling a bit lost as I struggled to find my way in an unfamiliar environment.

Like all of my fellow classmates, I was starting something new. It was exciting, sure. It isn’t that I didn’t want to be there or think that I belonged. Big opportunities can bring big changes in our lives. 

After stepping through the door, not even sure it was the right place, I was welcomed up to the desk by a woman with a broad smile. I gave her my name and as she looked at the card, handing it to me, she looked closely at me and said, “Oh! I know you. Basketball, right?” I  returned her smile as she continued. “My daughters play for Brunswick, so I’ve cheered against you, but not anymore! We heard you were coming. We’re so glad you’re here!”

Wait, what?

We’re so glad you’re here.

Over the years, there have been new things--opportunities, transitions, and maybe even a transformation here and there. There are some moments, like that day, that stick with me because of that same message.

We’re so glad you’re here.

Years later, well into my financial career, my organization began the work of leadership and cultural development with Priority Learning. At some point, after some challenging meetings and tough days, I was offered the opportunity to attend a new PL series for Executive Leaders.

Cool, huh?

Nope.

I wasn’t that interested. You could say I was still working on embracing the value of connection and people over process.

Within my organization, the early stages of cultural and leadership development work had been demanding, often contentious, and occasionally felt like hand-to-hand combat. We had more arsonists than architects, and I had set my share of fires.

We needed more architects, and I was determined to be one of them. 

Sometimes we get the feedback we need to hear.

Sometimes we also get the encouragement we need.

We’re so glad you’re here.

I went to that Executive Leadership series at Priority Learning, and several more after that.   

In my Executive group and in subsequent series, I met people who knew more and had better leadership skills than I. The work was challenging and inspiring. I started to understand that welcoming people in is a better strategy than leaving people out.

The message from my good friends at Priority Learning was clear, and it is a message that they continue to share.

We’re so glad you’re here.

Lately I have been helping build leadership and culture with a team in the hospitality business. They know how to run a restaurant; now they are learning to embrace the leadership journey. Their entire industry is about bringing people together and welcoming them in.

While It’s unlikely that they’ll allow me to get too close to the kitchen, I can tell you one thing for sure. From the moment I walked into that workplace, the energy and opportunity were just what I was looking for. I have been there before, and it’s something we can build on.

We’re so glad you’re here.

Thank you for reading. Your feedback is welcome.

Deb Sparrow

Deb Sparrow worked in financial services senior leadership for over 25 years. She is a firm believer that "the universe always falls in love with a stubborn heart" as she explores the fork in the road and writes about it from time to time. She is a graduate of Bowdoin College and Priority Learning's inaugural Executive Leadership series. Follow her on LinkedIn at Deb Sparrow worked in financial services senior leadership for over 25 years. She is a firm believer that "the universe always falls in love with a stubborn heart" as she explores the fork in the road and writes about it from time to time. She is a graduate of Bowdoin College and Priority Learning's inaugural Executive Leadership series. Follow her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-sparrow/.