"Given the various types of leadership we're presented with today, whether situational, transformative, or autocratic, it is rare that someone fits neatly into one of the categories. More likely, people overlap: being directive or "control and command" with employees, but softened by empathy in customer relations. Or, one might be empowering with staff but hold on to financial matters with the strength of a bull. However, Lynn Hudgins, executive director of Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass, tends to fit the profile of a transformative or persuasive leader on all fronts.
Persuasive leaders understand their audience, have a passion for the mission, and frame goals that bring out the interests and strengths of those they work with and serve. Their credibility comes from listening to others, being prepared and developing genuine relationships. Persuasion requires strong communications skills, including the ability to convey evidence and facts in ways that provide images people can embrace. And, finally, successful persuaders connect emotionally with their audience, demonstrating both an intellectual and emotional commitment to the work.
Ask anyone who knows Lynn to describe her and they use terms like "competent," "effective," "reliable," and "a people person."
Hudgins is one of many professionals in the area who exercise their unique leadership skills under the radar, making a difference without benefit of the spotlight or broad public recognition. She has spent the past eight years as executive director of Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass, working with three full-time and one part-time staffer as well as a diverse Board of Directors that cuts across public and private sectors. With this team, Hudgins oversees more than 500 volunteers who make the Junior Achievement programs a reality for approximately 1,600 elementary, middle and high school students each year. How does she do this?
"I know it's a clichè, but I do have a great team," Hudgins began. "Everybody cares about the students, and that's what it's all about."
"Lynn appreciates people for what they can offer," said JA board member and Chase Senior Vice President Laura Boison. "She recognizes and builds on people's strengths and casts a good shadow." Shadow? "She's very, very positive; people want to work with her and welcome her direction."
Abra Endsley has worked with Lynn for five years as senior district manager for Junior Achievement and describes Lynn as goal-oriented and driven, as well as someone who sees the best in people. "When Lynn came to JA, the program was a mere shadow of what it is today. She has turned it around completely, so that JA is breaking records when it comes to service to students. Over the past five years, there's been a 90 percent increase in number of students served, reaching 1,600 in 2005. Lynn is also a great friend, and I can't imagine working for anyone else."
Lynn has the ability to attract a variety of people who are passionate about inspiring young people to learn the economics of life. In her view, "these volunteers are business owners, managers, retirees and leaders in the community who want to help young people translate economic theory into practice," Hudgins said. "We provide them with the materials and training they need, and they go into the elementary, middle and high school classrooms and talk about real life. Their experiences matter to these students, because students today won't just accept theory. They want to know you know what you're talking about. You've got to have credibility."
Gary Bello, new chair of the JA Board and CEO of Atera Partners, recalls being a student in a 9th or 10th grade classroom where a businessman came and talked about the business world, the ups and downs of being in business. "He opened up a new world to me. A light went on," Bello said. "It might have been the timing or maybe I was open to hearing it that particular day, but that experience changed my life. That's why I want to work with Junior Achievement." He went on to say that Lynn's leadership style makes it all work. "She's anticipates what needs to be done and makes sure all the program gaps are covered. As a result, she keeps things moving, keeps the Board interested and motivates her volunteers." Not only has Bello volunteered to serve as chair of the Board, he works on the JA endowment fund and serves as a mentor at Bryan Station.
Former JA Board chair Ann McBrayer, CEO of Kentucky Eagle Beer, worked with Lynn for years and recognized Lynn's leadership early on. "She's so smart and she makes everything look so easy. She always comes up with good ideas and is a genius at getting people involved."
Asked how she would describe her own leadership style, Lynn hesitates, then says, "I love what I do, and I don't think too much about leadership style, quite honestly. I just try to bring out the best in people, match them up with the opportunities to help students in the classroom. That's all."
Janet Holloway is co-founder and executive director of Women Leading Kentucky, an educational foundation committed to creating opportunities for women to lead and learn. She can be reached at jhollow@womenleadingky.com
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