1. What inspires you to lead?
Hatfield: I’ve learned that I have a gift. We don’t always know where our gifts originate, but mine is God-given. I know I have the ability to make a positive impact on other’s lives, and that is my strongest inspiration.
KUBICEK: I love to see people passionately alive in their roles and then lead them to produce amazing results that they or others thought they could not do. The inspiration comes in watching others bloom.
Symcox: I want to be successful, whether it is achieving my personal goals or being part of a team. I want to be a WINNER! There is nothing better than a sense of accomplishment. I am very competitive.
2. What are three ways in which you try to “grow” your employees?
Hatfield: I think it is really important to let employees think on their own two feet. Instead of teaching them by rote, I like to lead them by experiences. Positive reinforcement is critical. It is important to build on people’s strengths, not their weaknesses. We need to provide a creative environment that cultivates positive opportunities. And we need to have fun with them and be able to laugh at ourselves.
KUBICEK: First, I train them to make strategic decisions. We have used the Strategic Orienteering process to get them thinking strategically and make tough decisions on their own. Second, I train them on relationships. Relationships, before opportunity, impact themselves and the organization in powerful ways. Third, I train them on our values. We employ our values to grow our employees. Character, competence and influence grow our employees everyday.
Symcox: I believe in the concept of “Servant Leadership,” and a big part of that is leading in such a way that our employees grow and benefit with our success. I want every employee to enjoy his or her job as much as I do. To do that, they must know what their role is and how they add to the success of the organization. I insist that our employees be empowered. This gives them a sense of value and accomplishment. It also provides continual learning, opportunities to recognize growth and coach for improvement.
3. Name an influential leader in your past and why he/she had such an impact on you?
Hatfield: I would have to say that Alma Bell Wilson was a leader in my past that inspired me. She was the first woman to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in Oklahoma. She was from my hometown of Pauls Valley. She was valedictorian of Pauls Valley High School, 30 years before I was. She was my softball coach. We didn’t have women’s sports back in those days, so she put together a women’s softball team called the Legal Eagles. I was the catcher. She wore red leather pants to OU ballgames and high heels until she died. She never thought about a glass ceiling. She was hard-working, very hard-working, but always kind and caring. I adored her.
KUBICEK: Kent Humphreys, president of FCCI, showed me the connection of head and heart. He is a human calculator with the ability to be sensitive to people around him. He showed me several levels of influence.
Symcox: There have been many people that have influenced me throughout my life, but my grandfather, J.R. Symcox, and my father, Don Symcox, have had the most influence on my values. It is those values that guide me in virtually every action that I take. I have had the great fortune to be able to work side-by-side with my father for over 25 years.
4. Name three daily personal habits you follow that help you grow as a leader?
Hatfield: First, I try to listen. We have to listen to know what is happening in our environment. Sometimes we listen with our ears and sometimes we listen with our eyes. Second, I love to read, so I read books about positive business habits. I also read books about famous Oklahomans, because I think Oklahoma is the hotbed of entrepreneurship. We are wildcatters by nature. Third, I am very disciplined. My time-management skills are good, and I am consistent. Being disciplined gives me more time to grow in all areas. I believe in being balanced. I work hard and play hard.
KUBICEK: I read books that are stretching – not just leadership books, but all sorts. I spend time with God. There is no other source for clarity and wisdom. I pray for applied wisdom daily. Each day I focus on one employee and give them encouragement in some shape or form. That keeps me focused on real people and real life in our business.
Symcox: I strive daily to be a good example, in particular, being a positive influence and having a positive attitude. I constantly want to be learning. I read as much as I can. I constantly try to look forward. You can learn from history, but you can influence
the future.
5. What counsel would you give young leaders aspiring to do great things?
Hatfield: Always look for the positive. Create win-win situations. Work hard. Dream big. Never, never give up.
KUBICEK: I would tell them that it is not what you do in the beginning years, it is who you work for that makes all the difference. Patient learning will advance you for more than positional leadership.
Symcox: Don’t seek out to do great things. Do the RIGHT things and that will lead to great things. Never place yourself above others. Practice servant leadership.