This week we’d like to introduce you to a no-nonsense, self-taught leader with a common sense approach to leadership. Chad Halbur is President and a shareholder of Cornerstone Private Asset Trust Company, LLC.Chad works with clients to develop strategies to meet their financial goals and is involved in the implementation and daily management of those strategies. He is a CFA Charterholder, Certified Trust and Financial Advisor, Accredited Asset Management Specialist, and Registered Investment Advisor. He is also an active member of the Twin Cities Society of Security Analysts, Twin Cities Financial and Estate Planning Council, and is a member of his firm’s Investment Committee.

Chad offers a fresh take on leadership that doesn’t follow any specific or prescribed “formal” strategies. Instead he relies on his instincts, does what is in the client’s best interest and allows his team to let their leadership abilities develop in a very natural way as well.

I asked Chad, “How do you develop leadership in others?” and he responded: I feel it is critical to continue the professional development of my team by offering them new opportunities that cause them to stretch their knowledge and/or get out of their comfort zone. He added: Part of leadership is delegating and allowing your people to make mistakes that they can grow from. It is no wonder that Chad is able to empower and develop those around him given that he is not afraid to let his team members take chances, challenge themselves and work with the freedom of knowing that they may make some mistakes along the way and that’s okay. We agree with Chad that the in many cases the only way to enable others to develop the skills they need to grow, is to enable them to have “real-world” practice.

I asked Chad some additional questions related to leadership, leadership styles and attributes and his own leadership philosophy and here is what he shared:

ConvergenceCoaching: What do you think the single most important leadership attribute or characteristic is and why?

CH: Integrity. When someone has integrity, you don’t have to question their intentions.  You have faith and confidence in their abilities and intentions.  A person’s work ethic says a lot about their character and character is closely related to integrity. I expect people to do what is right for the client first.

ConvergenceCoaching: What do you look for in young up-and-coming leaders?

CH: I look for individuals who have a high level of integrity, are assertive, work smart, and take pride in what they do. I like when my team members exhibit a practical and realistic approach and are able to make decisions to move things forward after they have assessed a situation.

ConvergenceCoaching: What advice do you have for those looking to step into a leadership position in their firms or businesses?

CH:  I would advise them to “own” the project or task they are assigned. What I mean by this is treat it as if no one else is going to double check it once you’ve completed it.  Having everyone involved in the project committed to bringing their best effort is essential to achieving the best outcome for the client.

ConvergenceCoaching: What three words best describe your leadership style?

CH: Common sense, collaborative, and empowering.

After considering Chad’s responses to our questions, I was struck by the beauty of the simplicity of his approach. Sometimes, as people and as leaders, we make things harder and more complicated than they really are. Sometimes we think too much and overanalyze things. It’s freeing to know that we can be effective by allowing our instincts and common sense to lead us and enable us to lead others in a powerful, yet more effortless manner. What are your thoughts on the role that common sense and collaboration play?  How good are you allowing others to try and sometimes fail?  We’d love to hear from you.

Best Regards,

 

Michelle Baca
www.convergencecoaching.com