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.