Coast River Business Journal

Contemplating leadership in Clatsop County
 
Within the last 10 days I’ve attended a retirement party for Terry Finklein, longtime Columbia Memorial Hospital CEO, and a going away party for Greg Hamann, who has been Clatsop Community College’s president for the last 8 years.  These departures will result in leadership changes that will affect our county.  CMH has already chose Erik Thorsen as its new CEO, while CCC has put CFO Lindy Overton in the role of interim president while the organization works through its selection process.
 
These bon voyage events have caused me to ponder the definition of leadership in our coastal communities. I did not look to Wikipedia for my definition, for the record.
 
In my definition, a leader put his or her personal agenda aside and is a collaborator, seeking solutions that benefit the greater community good;
 
In my definition, a leader exhibits integrity, honesty, and professionalism at all times;
 
In my definition, a leader carries through on commitments made;
 
In my definition a leader respects the opinions of all others, and hears them, even if those ideas are not in concert with his or her own;
 
In my definition a leader isn’t afraid to take risks, and stands up for his or her convictions, fighting hard but respectfully on important issues;
 
In my definition a leader is creative and thinks “outside the box;”
 
In my definition a leader isn’t satisfied with status quo if it isn’t working;
 
In my definition, a leader is not afraid to “rock the boat,” even if it means being criticized for it.
 
In my definition, a leader does not criticize others for taking a stand with which he or she does not agree.
 
I respectfully ask readers to contemplate the various elected officials, business leaders and hired public staff around our county and consider which of them fits all of my definitions.  Comment here, and give credit where credit is due.  Your input is appreciated.
 
Susan M. Trabucco
Publisher/Editor