Good leaders lead by example

Patrick Pauken and Judy Jackson May take the stage for the Ned E. Baker Lecture in Public Health at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union in Bowling Green, Ohio on April 4, 2013. (Photo: Enoch Wu/Sentinel-Tribune)

How strong leadership can affect public health was the focus of this year's Ned Baker Lecture at Bowling Green State University.
Dr. Judy Jackson May and Dr. Patrick Pauken, associate professors in BGSU's School of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Policy, presented this year's lecture earlier this month at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.
"Leaders are perceived by their followers," May told the audience. So those in charge need to "lead with passion. Always be learning. Knowledge changes faster than skill."
Listening is part of communication, she said, adding that "sometimes we spend so much time talking that we can't possibly be listening to others."
Both professors encouraged accountability, engagement and continuous improvement. May offered that the best way to communicate, a key aspect of being a leader, is to use "shared emotions and stories."
May drew heavily from her favorite authors, including Kouzes and Posner. She said, "Kouzes and Posner go on to describe the top four characteristics people want to see in their leaders: Honest, forward thinking, inspiring and competent."