BEING AN Effective Leader

from The Arkansas Banker Winter 2023

THE FACES OF

Latrecia Carroll | President | Emerging Leaders Section

What a privilege it is for me to hold the office of Emerging Leaders Council President for 2023–2024. I started working in banking when I was seventeen years old through the Little Rock Central High School job program. The program prepared students for post-high school opportunities by ensuring students are equipped with a solid foundation of academic skills and the ability to apply those skills in advanced education training and employment. Unlike many others in the banking industry, I knew early on that I wanted to be a banker. After high school, I continued working in Banking and attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to receive a BA in Finance.

I have worked behind the scenes my entire career. I've always been proud of the work I do and the leadership abilities I possess. When I started working at Stone Bank in 2018, I attended an Emerging Leaders Conference. I was approached shortly after for the position on the Executive Committee. Despite my hesitation, I enthusiastically took up the challenge. I had to get out of my comfort zone as a leader behind the scenes and into the spotlight to accept this role. Throughout my career, I have been impacted by excellent leadership, which has prepared me for my Emerging Leaders position. I have been eager to collaborate with other exceptional Emerging Leaders to achieve our objectives.

Upon contemplating leadership, numerous attributes spring to mind. Some possess integrity, influence, and inspiration. Other qualities that appeal to me are humility, empowerment, authenticity, and confidence.

Humility is a quality of effective leaders. A humble leader is easier to get along with. Leaders ought to promote cooperation and continuous improvement. Leaders that are humble lead from a place of kindness rather than conceit. Respecting people next to me and keeping an eye out for those under me are essential traits of a modest leader. Humble leaders are aware that they aren't always the most gifted or knowledgeable person in the room. They give credit when credit is due and recognition to others for a job well done.

Strong leaders are able to empower their groups by giving their staff the tools they need to manage any circumstance. Teams need to be given the freedom to act without assigning blame. Empowered leaders understand that success does not happen overnight. Teams must be allowed to use their strengths daily in order to grow.

Authenticity is a prerequisite for effective leadership. You must be able to do your job without compromising your values and personality. People tend to trust leadership when they are true to themselves. Being phony is hard work. Authentic leaders have the integrity and skills necessary to make the right choices when necessary.

Confident leaders know their leadership strengths. They are confident in their knowledge and the fact that there is still a great deal to learn. They have a “can do” attitude that allows them to make progress consistently. Confident leaders also tend to lead by example. Avoid being that leader that breaks rules that have been put in place. Setting a good example for your team will encourage them to work together toward shared goals.

I believe execution counts more in leadership than thoughts or emotions. Show compassion, ask questions, and support new ideas. Be willing to go above and beyond. A great leader will guide you to places you deserve to be, even if they are places you don’t necessarily want to go. This is where great leadership begins.