A Letter to Social Work Leaders

(Editor’s Note: Dr. Lakeya Cherry has served as CEO of the Network for Social Work Management from 2013 to June 2022. As the Network celebrates its 2nd annual Forward Thinking Summit this week and Cherry prepares to move on in her career journey, she offers these thoughts on leadership for you, dear readers. Thank you to Dr. Cherry for her vision and leadership during her tenure with NSWM.)

by Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW, ACC

Dear Social Work Leader,

     Congratulations! You’re now a leader. That is, you are no longer just responsible for yourself, but you are responsible for people and processes. You have successfully demonstrated to others the ability to take on more responsibility for the greater good of the team and your organization. You may have received a title change, pay increase, and in some cases a new office. All great, but now what?

     When I first became CEO of the Network for Social Work Management (NSWM) almost nine years ago, there was admittedly a lot I did not know. During the first year, I experienced a lot of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Who am I to lead this organization? To influence others? Does this sound familiar?

     Despite this fear, I did not have it in me to give up. I was ready to lead in this new way and up for the challenge.

Are you up for the challenge?

     I saw this role as an opportunity to learn and grow. In my efforts to become the best CEO that I could be, it became readily apparent to me that we are not taught nearly enough about leadership and management in our social work programs. So, what do we do?

What have you done?

     I got creative. I am a social worker, after all. We find a way, regardless of the circumstance or resources at our disposal. We just make it work. So, this is what I did and continue to do. This is what I encourage you to do.

What are you doing?

     Over the past nine years, I have grown significantly as a person and leader, but most importantly, the organization I have been charged to lead has grown. As I prepare to move on from the NSWM and on to the next stage of my journey, I wanted to share some key lessons and reminders for emerging and seasoned leaders. Many of these lessons I have learned along the way, but they have also been reinforced through my work as an executive leadership coach.

     I recently coined the acronym ACT for the main lesson I want to impart: that leadership requires Authenticity, Courage, and Tenacity.

Authenticity

     Leadership starts at the top. However, imagine having a leader who does not know themselves, a leader who is not emotionally intelligent. This is a leader who is unaware of how they show up and the impact it has on others.

     We have all experienced poor leadership from leaders who lack self-awareness. Let’s strive to be different and do better as leaders. This requires authenticity. This requires us showing up as our wholehearted authentic selves.

How self-aware are you? Do you even know who you are? And what you believe in?

     These questions are important, as who we are impacts our ability to lead and lead well. Thus, it is imperative that we get to know the person on the other side of our mirror.

Who is our authentic self?

     Despite our education and various achievements, I have learned that many people legitimately do not know their strengths, personality type, values, leadership style, or simply where they need healing.

Is this you? What are you going to do about it?

     Imagine the impact this has on those being led. Do they believe you? Do they trust you?

     Becoming who you are at your core and embracing it is not an overnight process, but the most respected leaders are on this journey.

Courage

     Leadership requires risk. It requires modeling what it looks like to have hard conversations, to stand up for people and causes that matter, for trying.

     Many of us avoid taking risks. We fear failure. We fear shame, or feeling unworthy or not good enough.

     We do not want to risk putting our cards on the table and losing. So, we don’t do anything. We lose, and the people around us lose.

     Imagine the impact this has on you and the people around you.

     Change cannot happen without courage. The good news is that courage can be taught. It’s a skillset that can be learned, but you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone.

Where do you need to be braver? Who will hold you accountable?

Tenacity

     Leadership requires sustained effort over time. It requires determination.

     Leading people and leading an organization is one of the most challenging things I have ever done. It is not easy and it is certainly not predictable.

     You will face many challenges outside of your control, typically involving limited resources, financial or otherwise. As dire as the situation may be, Will you give up? How will you respond?

     When leaders face challenges, they have the unique opportunity to model for others what it means to remain steadfast in pursuit of a goal or objective.

     It is important for leaders to remember they are being watched. They set the tone for the organizational culture. Will your culture be one that includes authenticity, courage, and tenacity?

     In addition, a few reminders:

  • You are not your job. You are a person, not a title or position. Social work is something you do, a practice.
  • Follow your heart and passions. It’s okay to leave when your heart stirs you elsewhere.
  • Leadership is lonely at the top. Stay connected. Utilize mentors, sponsors, a personal board of advisors.
  • Manage yourself. Hire a coach. Seek out additional opportunities to learn and develop yourself.
  • Do YOUR work to create psychologically safe, inclusive spaces, where all employees belong.
  • Priortize your own health and well-being, first, with the addition of a healthy dose of boundaries.
  • Celebrate the small and big wins! It matters.

     Whether you’re a new or seasoned leader, I salute you. Leadership is not for the faint of heart. In many ways, it can be a thankless task. However, your commitment to the mission of your organization has led you to serve in this capacity. Well done! Now may you never forget how worthy you are and the why behind what you do.

     Be well, social work leader, be well.

Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW, ACC, is an executive leadership coach and outgoing CEO of the Network for Social Work Management. Dr. Cherry has dedicated her career to the growth and development of individuals and the organizations they are a part of. As an ICF Certified Coach, a StartingBloc Fellow, a Google #IamRemarkable Facilitator, and a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, she believes that when leaders are empowered to reach their fullest potential, they will be able to support those around them more effectively.