ELS Spotlight With Dave Holland
Dave Holland is a Fayetteville Loan Manager at First National Bank of NWA in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
What is the most important leadership lesson that you’ve learned?
Lead by example. Be a part of the team that you lead and lead from alongside rather than out ahead. Respect, credibility, and confidence in leaders must be earned. This is also a great way to get to know the individuals who you work with and learn what their goals and vision are.
What’s your biggest leadership struggle?
My current personal challenge is probably more related to the present 2020 COVID-19 environment. The challenge is that it is difficult to stay motivated and maintain focus as a leader and keep a team motivated and focused in the environment that we are in. Remote working and the lack of ability to attend networking events add to this. The challenge of remote working and being so closely tied to the office causes difficulty with team building (camaraderie) and a lack of variety in daily duties, potentially leading to burnout.
What is the most effective daily habit you possess?
I get out of my office and check in with my team regularly. I also hit the ground running every day and give each customer and teammate the most attention I can give to them in that day. I want them to know that they are a priority and won't just be added to a to-do list. Outside of work, I feel that one of my most effective daily habits is exercise, because it gives the body and mind a break from work and yet still allows me to come to the office with a fresh attitude and ready to work through the challenges of that day.
What is the greatest advice you have ever been given?
Give the credit to your team. Set them up for success and celebrate them for it. In addition, empower your team and give them the tools to evolve into leadership roles.
What does effective leadership look like to you?
To be an effective leader you have to trust your team. Put a good team in place, trust them to do what they were put there to do, and support the decisions they make. Also, it is crucial to make yourself available and approachable. Be open to their ideas and seek input. This helps to motivate and inspire.
How has leadership changed in 2020?
I think in the COVID-19 world there has been a lot more collaboration. We are all in unchartered territory and feeling our way through the unknown. It is crucial to give your team the resources they need to be successful in a work environment that is different from anything we have ever experienced. If you make decisions with your team in mind and do what is right for the individuals, you’ll have done what is right for the company. It is important to make it as fun as possible without forcing your team too far out of their comfort zone. Overall, be flexible and adjust to variables. One of my favorite quotes is from John C. Maxwell: “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”