What I Have Learned
About Leadership While
at ADD
Ways to Demonstrate and Use It
1. Listen
Why



When
How

What


Results


Example




For respect, perspective,
credibility
Especially at the beginning
Focus groups/end users and
implementers
For facts that will allow
us/direct us to proceed
Guidance that is defensible,
practical, usable
UCEDD suggestions on DDPIE
2. Be flexible

Why

When






How
What
Results
Example




There’s always more than one way
to do something and one size does
not fit all
Any time especially if comparison
and categorization is sought to tell
a compelling story
Provide options
Timing, process
We get what we need
Strategies for complying with
MTARS recommendations
3. Be accountable, expect
accountability

Why

When




How
What
Results

Example





Without a connection to a
consequence there is no incentive to
behave in a certain way
We have responsibilities (e.g., to
guide the use of funds and deliver to
constituencies)
Reporting, educating, monitoring
Data, stories, strategies that work
Public knowledge that we are doing
important work
Biannual Report to Congress, the
President, and NCD
4. Pursue new initiatives that
have multiple level benefits
Why

When
How



What
Results

Example







Broader impact, viewed as a valued player and
resource
Any time, during a crisis
Voluntarily take a seat at the table, look for or at
trends and pursue new applications, insert ourselves
at the right place in a sequence
Knowledge, capability, connections, expertise, money
Actions are taken based on/consistent with what we
provide; we can use relationships in other contexts
Emergency preparedness related to individuals with
disabilities
5. Expand influence through
opportunities



Why
When
How

What
Results

Examples







Broaden awareness and adoption of promising
practices
Any time
Offer to collaborate, provide TA to others with
needs related to our experience/expertise
Training, materials, funding, on-site support
Validate ideas in new/different context; new
partnerships
Family Support 360 for military families, ADD
support for case management model for
emergency preparedness, possible national
adoption by FEMA
6. Empower others

Why



When
How

What


Results



Example


For capacity building, sustainability,
free us up to shift to something else
Process and guidelines are established
Through modeling, mentoring, sharing
of information
Tools to lead, decide, judge, train
New partners, allies, investors,
replicators, like thinkers
UCEDDs aggressive efforts to
strengthen CACs
7. Be ego neutral, but egosensitive with regard to
others






Why
When
How
What
Results
Example






Need to know others’ perspectives to get to
desired result(s)
All the way through
Ask leading questions – what do you think,
what is important to you, what are you
concerned about. Affirm our valuing what
others think. Be the note taker.
Money, roles, strategy
Clarity, commitment, action
Many examples of systems change
8. Handle the unanticipated
as an opportunity, not a
burden




Why
When
How
What

Results

Example






Picked for a reason – we’re known for
delivering
We least expect it or want it
Offer others an opportunity to stretch or fill in
Teaming in new ways, apply skills in a new
context, develop new skills
Confirm that we were the right person to pick
for the assignment; expanded/strengthened
staff capabilities
HAVA; departures
9. In conflict look for and
promote focusing on common
ground



Why
When
How





What
Results

Example



To get progress
Everyone has spoken, no consensus has
emerged
List commonalities in POV expressed as
principles, underlying assumptions, or
goals
Draw a picture of the possible
Common ground, progress, consensus,
compromise
Changes to Annual Report Template
10. Final Thoughts







Leadership is a muscle, it must be exercised
A title only gets us at the head of a table
Humor works, so does candor
Need to delegate, then monitor in a routine,
transparent way
Money gets us attention, not a guarantee
that things will be done our way
Mistakes happen; own up to them; learn
from them; move on
Effective use of power is thoughtful and
humane
Contact Information

Patricia A. Morrissey, Ph.D.
– Commissioner
– Administration on Developmental
Disabilities

Administration for Children and Families
– U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
– [email protected]
– http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/
– (202) 690-6590