27 Nov Practical Leadership Insights
Kimberly Grey, Vice President of Global Talent Management at Leggett & Platt, shares her practical leadership insights. Drawing from her experience at companies like Walt Disney, Best Buy, and Cargill, Kimberly highlights the importance of intentional leadership, accountability, and building meaningful relationships.
Leadership Starts with Intentionality
Kimberly emphasizes the importance of intentionality in every aspect of leadership, from career decisions to relationship-building. She explains that leaders should focus on creating environments where they can thrive and align their values with their actions. Kimberly shared: “If I have to work, I want it to be in a place that aligns with my values and where I feel energized to contribute.”
Tips for Intentional Leadership:
- Define Your Values: Understand what matters most to you and align your workplace and actions accordingly.
- Be Self-Aware: Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and the type of leader you aspire to be.
- Take Ownership: Proactively shape your work environment instead of settling for one that doesn’t align with your goals.
Accountability: A Key Leadership Skill
Kimberly believes effective accountability is a cornerstone of leadership. She stresses the importance of setting clear expectations and maintaining open communication with colleagues and team members.
Steps to Holding Others Accountable:
- Set Expectations Early: Ensure all parties know their roles and responsibilities from the start.
- Check In Regularly: Have frequent touchpoints to address misalignments and offer guidance.
- Be Empathetic: Approach accountability as a collaborative process that builds trust and encourages growth.
Accountability, Kimberly notes, is most effective when it’s seen as a partnership rather than a power dynamic.
Building Meaningful Relationships
Kimberly also discusses the importance of relationships in leadership. Whether through mentoring or networking, she emphasizes the value of authenticity and mutual benefit. Networking, Kimberly advises, isn’t about quantity but quality. “It’s about building long-term, meaningful connections—not just shaking hands at events.”
Leadership Relationship Tips:
- Authenticity Matters: Be genuine in interactions to foster trust and deeper connections.
- Focus on Mutual Value: Relationships should benefit both parties, creating a balanced dynamic.
- Be Selective and Intentional: Invest your time in relationships that align with your goals and values.
Conclusion
Kimberly Grey’s leadership philosophy centers on intentionality, accountability, and authentic relationships. Her practical leadership insights remind us that great leaders are not born—they are shaped by their ability to reflect, connect, and act with purpose.
Recommended Resources
- Thrive by Arianna Huffington
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
- Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and leadership
About Kimberly Grey
Kimberly Grey is the Vice President of Global Talent Management at Leggett & Platt, where she leads initiatives in performance management, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion. With a career spanning leadership roles at Syngenta, Cargill, Best Buy, and Walt Disney, Kimberly has built a reputation for creating world-class people experiences and inclusive cultures.