Speaker: Christine Routzahn, Director, UMBC Career Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
What is your leadership style and how do you use that to create a positive work culture?
Christine Routzahn: I've always believed in leading by example, whether it's really staying positive during tough times like right now, We're always just pitching, you know, pitching in when needed. I would say my leadership style focuses on being approachable, supportive, and collaborative, Really getting to know the team on a professional, personal level, the challenges they're experiencing. Also the joys. We work, right? But we also have lives outside of work, and I want to make sure our team feels very comfortable sharing their ideas and their challenges, and building that trust. It's not just about strategy and advocacy. They're important elements of a leader, but it's also about showing up with care and compassion.
What do you look for in future leaders and how do you inspire them?
Christine Routzahn: Future leaders to me are not only those, I would say that strive to grow, but those that also want to lift others along the way. When I look for leaders, I look for people that have true compassion, energy, initiative, those that aren't willing, that are willing to take new initiatives, but also that are willing to listen for others' feedback. I try to inspire by sharing my own stories, the challenges, the highlights, and also the mistakes that I've made along the way, because we are always human. and leadership comes in many forms and constantly evolves. Some of the other things I would say would be to share stretch projects, celebrate the wins, and celebrate also the mistakes that we've made. You know, being a leader is also about being proud of the work that you've done, the work that is ahead of you, and being true to what your why is.
