Find Joy with Zac Selmon

In the final episode of season 4, I explore Hill's approach to
Team Leadership as detailed in chapter 16 from the 9th edition of
Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During
the segment, I highlight connections to our class' definition of
leadership, discuss the importance of a strong culture, provide
an overview of the model, and conclude with strengths and
criticisms of the model.


In the Living Leadership segment I'm joined by Zac Selmon, the
Director of Athletics at Mississippi State University. At the
start of our conversation, Zac recounted watching his older
sister, Megan Selmon Kelly play on the Trinity Women’s Basketball
National Championship team in 2003 - what a fun way to kick it
off. 


Zac was named to his current position after nearly 14 years
working under legendary athletic directors at the University of
North Carolina and University of Oklahoma. His perspective on
leadership was shaped by those work experiences, but truly goes
back to his family. His value statement, "Do as much as  you
can for others," was developed by seeing his mom, dad, and uncles
serve their communities with humbleness and a deep sense of
benevolence.


I love how Zac describes leadership as an active, participatory
enterprise and that great leaders: 1) listen to those they lead
(rather than assuming they know what followers need); 2) act and
make decisions that are rooted in purpose; and 3) have emotional
intelligence and look to form strong relationship with team
members. 


His message that we should take care of our inputs, look to
differentiate ourselves, and be voracious learners might have
been directed specifically at students in my leadership class,
but are truly important for all of us to hear. 


And after you listen to our conversation, I think you'll agree
that Zac does "find joy" through his work and family.