The Most Productive Way to Lead

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Robert A. Hunter
May 16, 2025

The simple truth is that we’re currently living in a time of chaotic leadership.

Fortunately, it’s not everywhere. However, it’s in enough high places that our society is experiencing an unprecedented feeling of uncertainty. But what can we do about it?

This column is like “preaching to the choir.” It will likely go unread by those who could benefit from its content, so why even publish it?

Perhaps the answer is found in the idea that those of us who feel enriched by what we read here can practice advanced examples of leadership and hope that what we do will become communicable.

One recent example of leadership in tough circumstances is found in the action, earlier this year, of the Utah legislature, whose majority voted for extensive cuts to college and university budgets in an effort to “weed out waste,” as perceived by the lawmakers.

Each institution’s leader implemented his/her own vision of how to follow this directive.

The path taken by the president of Weber State University, Dr. Brad Mortensen, an authentic servant leader, illustrates how cutbacks can take place with the greatest measure of practicality, the surest precision and the least amount of pain. As one who had the broadest view of the entire university structure, he (1) did an inventory of all university programs, (2) listed some possible areas of consideration, (3) called together his leadership team to review and make input, (4) called for a summary of positives and negatives in each program and (5) proposed a plan for campus-wide discussion. Thereupon, final decisions were made. Every person affiliated with the university had been afforded an opportunity to express an opinion.

While such processes are difficult, the involvement of many minds leads to the best possible outcomes.

Claudia Brind-Woody, American corporate executive and executive coach, reminds us that “smart teams do amazing things,” but “diverse teams do impossible things.”

At a national level, actually, at any level, this is the spirit of leadership that could be and should be followed.

Autocratic leadership is limiting. Servant leadership opens the door to a diversity of thought that leads to high quality results.

Robert K. Greenleaf, founder of the modern servant leadership movement, wrote, “Servant leadership prioritizes the growth, well-being and empowerment of employees. It aims to foster an inclusive environment, enabling everyone in the organization to thrive.”

According to Greenleaf, the traits of a servant leader include: (1) encouraging diversity of thought, (2) creating a culture of trust, (3) maintaining an unselfish mindset and (4) fostering leadership in others.

In a previous PA Times column, I wrote of a servant leader of a major nonprofit with whom I work side by side. Her demeanor and actions adhere thoroughly to the four principles established by Greenleaf. She disciplines with warmth and reassurance, realizing that everyone is fighting deficiencies. She encourages hard work by inspirational example. She never conducts staff meetings but gives employees leadership opportunities by affording each of them a turn at doing so. They know she is their advocate.

Sharing her vision for the organization and the community instills a desire in each of them to intensify their efforts and accomplish their collaborative goals. Interestingly, such a process mitigates the waste and inefficiencies which autocratic leaders imagine or attempt to identify.

Autocracy limits communication and develops an atmosphere of fear, misunderstanding, chaos and unproductive results. Servant leadership produces magical results and even builds additional servant leaders in the process.

A quotation from Abraham Lincoln is reflective of the words of many employees of servant leaders: “I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.”

Great leaders of the past have left us with timely advice.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader,” wrote John Quincy Adams.

A favorite unattributed quotation is, “Leaders don’t force people to follow, they invite them to join the journey.”

Another of Lincoln’s famous quotes tells us that informed preparation before action is critical. He said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.”

Lincoln’s wisdom of the past would be most useful if today’s leaders would apply it in their own thinking: “I am nothing; truth is everything.”

Thomas Jefferson advised: “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

And finally, a positive contribution from Helen Keller: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

Remember, “This too shall pass.”

In the end, as public servants, educators and societal leaders, the most important contribution we can make in this uncertain and chaotic environment is to be the best examples we can of practical management practices, level-headed discussions, respect for humanity and meaningful collaboration.

Collectively, we have the power to influence greater professionalism and genuine integrity.

“Okay, I’ll try,” said Luke Skywalker to Yoda. “No,” said Yoda. “Not try. There is no try. Do.”

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Author: Robert A. Hunter is a longtime leader in Utah political, nonprofit, and education circles. A former Ogden City Manager and Weber County Commissioner, he currently serves as Public Policy Advisor for Unted Way of Northern Utah and teaches Leadership and Political Life at Weber State University. He may be reached at [email protected].

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