Find Meaning with Elizabeth Eder Northern

In episode 7 of season 5, I lecture on chapter 6 from the 9th
edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and
Practice." During the segment, I describe the Path-Goal
leadership approach, highlight the basics of how Path-Goal theory
works, and conclude with strengths and criticisms of the model.


Before the lecture, I was joined by Elizabeth Eder Northern for
the Living Leadership segment. Liz graduated from Trinity
University in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree. As an undergrad, she
double majored in Religion and math, was an three time National
Qualifier on the cross country team, and took full advantage of
all that Trinity has to offer. She was a true Renaissance person
and embraced the university's Liberal Arts ethos. After leaving
Trinity she completed a Master's degree at Penn State and has
served as the longtime Director of Research at Tarrant County
College (TCC). In addition to being recognized by the Fort Worth
Business Press with 40 Under 40 Award, Liz was also named as one
of the Trinity University Alumni Association Tower 5 Award
recipients in 2019.


In our conversation she talks about the importance of mentors and
friends, both in terms of pushing her to achieve things she never
would have dreamed of and for holding each other accountable. As
a leader of a team at TCC, she details the importance of hiring
for complementary skill sets, helping team members maximize their
strengths, and finding meaning in the work. Liz describes why
setting developmental goals is good, both for the individual and
the organization, and why having a leader that trusts their
followers is paramount.


Liz and I also talk about her successful distance running career
(which isn't over!). While her accomplishments as a distance
runner are wildly impressive, I hope you'll agree that her
leadership approach and philosophy make her the kind of person
we'd all like to work and learn with.


She is a great role model for leaders everywhere. I hope you
enjoy our conversation. And please, drop us a note on LinkedIn -
or send me a tweet (@TingleJK) - to let us know your Take Home.