What leadership program(s) have you participated in?
Context and Competencies How do you engage civically outside of work?
I am always looking for ways to get involved civically outside of work, from participating in focus groups and rallies about specific issues to being involved in campaigns for candidates about whom I feel strongly. Whose leadership style do you most admire?
NANCY MITCHELL
I really can’t point to one person’s leadership style – it is more of a combination of several different people’s leadership styles. I suppose one of the qualities I admire most is those leaders who are clearly passionate – those about whom there can be no doubt that they are so very dedicated to their cause – they don’t hesitate when they describe what it is they do and why they do it. I also admire leaders who are empathetic, show respect for others and who lead quietly, if you will. They don’t carry or wield a big stick – they don’t have to.
What made you want to be involved in launching a Konza Club?
After I completed the KLC Context and Competencies program, I got together with one of my “classmates” from the program and we did something of a “debrief” and discussed what competencies we were using and which ones we were having trouble with. We got together a few more times and thought it might be fun and interesting to expand our scope to include other KLC alumni.
What civic leadership concept are you working to become more effective at? Why?
Resisting the temptation to immediately turn to a technical solution for an adaptive issue/problem. Technical solutions tend to be quick fixes – adaptive solutions are much more difficult, but more rewarding to work on and more long lasting.
Where are you originally from?
The Kansas City metro area Where do you live now? Prairie Village
What is the most important lesson about leadership you have learned over your lifetime?
What’s your educational background?
Undergraduate degree in secondary education and a juris doctorate, both from the University of Kansas
I’m still learning. But if forced to answer the question, I would say that leadership doesn’t have to be big and bold and loud. Some of the leaders I most admire are just the opposite. There is something about them – that they don’t have to advertise – that inspires others to follow. Maybe it is because they don’t necessarily want or need others to follow but to walk beside them.
Where do you work?
Oliver and Lindemenn Athletic Consulting. Just started with them in September. I spent many years – 14 to be exact – of my professional career with the National Collegiate Athletic Association before it moved its headquarters from Overland Park to Indianapolis. I chose not to make the move, but apparently the world of intercollegiate athletics is something that I never quite let go of.
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