Leadership 101

November 16, 2024

Leadership 101
By Bobby Bock
Southeast Area Vice President

In the early ’70s, my family ventured into the food service industry by purchasing a Mister Donut shop in Orlando. At the young age of 15, I had the opportunity to work alongside my father and witness his leadership in action.

One of the first lessons he imparted to me was the importance of hands-on management. Running a 24/7 operation required us to be prepared to step in and fill any gaps in the staffing schedule. This experience taught me the value of being adaptable and willing to take on any task to ensure success.

One of the most challenging aspects of leadership is managing a diverse team of individuals with unique personalities and workstyles. My father excelled in this area by demonstrating empathy, respect and clear communication with his staff.

I vividly remember a situation where a waitress consistently failed to show up for her shifts, causing disruption to the team and impacting the customer experience. Despite his reluctance, my father made the tough decision to terminate her employment, sending a clear message that reliability and accountability are non-negotiable qualities in a successful team.

When I first entered the military, I was faced with the daunting task of becoming a leader. The drill sergeants who trained us were tough, but they instilled in us the importance of discipline, respect and teamwork. They taught us that leadership is not about bossing people around, but, rather, serving others and leading by example. By being a mentor and guiding us through challenges, they molded us into confident and capable leaders.

One of the most impactful NAPS leaders with whom I had the pleasure of interacting was Vince Palladino; he served as NAPS president from 1992 to 2004. His leadership style was characterized by his willingness to help and support members of the organization.

When I reached out to him for advice on a particular issue, he provided me with sound guidance that helped me resolve a challenging situation. Vince’s approachability, empathy and strategic thinking were instrumental in shaping my own leadership style. Interacting with top executives such as Deputy PMG Doug Tulino has taught me the importance of direct communication and transparency in leadership. When I ask Tulino a question, I always receive a straightforward answer, even if it is not what I want to hear. Tulino always takes time to explain the rationale behind his decisions, especially when it comes to matters like collective-bargaining agreements. This level of transparency fosters trust and understanding in the organization, leading to better collaboration and alignment toward shared goals.

This past month, I had the privilege of hosting Tulino at my office. His presence had a profound impact on my team, leaving everyone feeling appreciated and valued. This experi-ence got me thinking about what truly makes a good leader.

There are numerous resources available to help individuals enhance their leadership skills. From postal training programs to online courses and books, there are endless opportunities to learn and grow as a leader. Taking advantage of these resources can help you develop key competencies such as communication, problem-solving and decision-making.

Developing leadership skills is a continuous journey that requires self-awareness, dedication and a willingness to learn. By embodying the qualities of a good leader—such as leading by example, demonstrating integrity and fostering wise decision-making—you can inspire and motivate those around you.

Remember, leadership is not about title or position, but about the positive impact you have on others. So, take the time to invest in your growth as a leader and watch as your team thrives under your guidance.