Samantha Hammock, the esteemed EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Verizon, recently took to LinkedIn to initiate a profound discussion on the essence of great leadership. In her post, she reflects on the insights shared during the kickoff of Verizon’s new leadership development program, Raise the Bar, by members of the Verizon Leadership Council (VLC). Through this enlightening discourse, Samantha Hammock provides invaluable lessons on leadership, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, empowerment, transparency, accountability, and compassionate leadership in fostering a culture of excellence and driving organizational success.
At the heart of Samantha Hammock’s discourse lies a fundamental question: What does it truly mean to be a great leader? This thought-provoking query serves as a catalyst for a rich exchange of insights and perspectives among the members of the Verizon Leadership Council. As Samantha Hammock aptly observes, leadership is an ever-evolving skill set, characterized by a continuous process of learning and growth. Leaders, whether seasoned veterans or aspiring individuals, must remain open to lessons gleaned from both successes and setbacks, constantly striving to enhance their capabilities and refine their approach to leadership.
Among the myriad insights shared during the discussion, several key themes emerge, underscoring the multifaceted nature of effective leadership. Delegation and empowerment emerge as foundational principles, essential not only for the success of individual leaders but also for the holistic growth and development of their teams. Samantha Hammock emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent early in their careers, advocating for the creation of diverse opportunities and experiences to cultivate horizontal expertise and build a robust talent pipeline for the future.
Moreover, Samantha Hammock emphasizes the significance of clear communication, openness, and transparency as cornerstones of a strong team culture. Leaders must provide clear direction and constructive feedback, fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to excel and continuously improve. Additionally, fostering a culture of openness and approachability encourages dynamic dialogue and dissent, driving innovation and enhancing the quality of decision-making within the organization.
Samantha Hammock also underscores the critical importance of empathy, compassion, and self-care in effective leadership. Leaders must recognize that time and energy are finite resources, and prioritizing their well-being is essential to sustaining their capacity to lead effectively. By creating space for self-reflection and self-care, leaders can cultivate resilience, compassion, and authenticity, enabling them to lead with integrity and inspire their teams to achieve greatness.
As Samantha Hammock reflects on the profound impact of leadership on organizational success, she acknowledges the privilege and responsibility entrusted to leaders within Verizon. Great employees deserve great leaders, and Samantha Hammock is committed to empowering and supporting Verizon’s leaders in their journey towards excellence. With unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, Samantha Hammock envisions a future where Verizon thrives as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and success, propelled forward by the collective efforts of its exceptional leaders.
Samantha Hammock’s insightful discourse on leadership serves as a beacon of inspiration and guidance for leaders at all levels within Verizon and beyond. Her unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, empowerment, transparency, and compassion underscores her profound dedication to driving organizational success and cultivating a thriving community of leaders. As Verizon continues to chart new horizons and embrace the challenges of tomorrow, Samantha Hammock’s visionary leadership will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light, inspiring her colleagues to raise the bar and unlock their full potential as leaders.
