Lynn Sims shares insights about leadership

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Lynn Sims, an acquisition manager who supports the Installation, Information, Infrastructure Modernization Program (I3MP), is passionate about supporting Soldiers. She has more than 18 years of experience in the civil service, including 15 years as a contracting officer supporting several agencies, including the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy.

After graduating from high school in Detroit, Sims joined the Air Force. She subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business. Sims is pursuing a PhD in psychology to help organizations solve workforce problems and improve productivity. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and hosts monthly cooking parties at her home with a group of friends. Sims answered six questions about her career and life.

What is your leadership style?
I am adaptable so my style varies depending on the situation. I often make decisions that take into account the input of each team member. I like to coach people by identifying and nurturing their individual strengths. I also hold people accountable. It’s frustrating to work on teams where nobody is held accountable for their work. 

What does a good leader do?
A good leader listens. A good leader walks their talk and inspires others to do the same. They don’t hold onto former decisions and make adjustments when something isn’t working the way they expected. They are accountable for their actions and defend their team.

Good leaders have empathy—not sympathy, which is pity—for others. Empathy requires a high level of emotional intelligence. Good leaders don’t consider the needs or requests of those around them as unimportant or trivial.

What do bad leaders do?
They play the blame game. They don’t communicate well and are surprised when other people don’t understand them. They assume that everyone shares their opinions. They don’t ask for feedback or are dismissive of it when they receive it.

Who inspires you?
Valerie Mosqueira, my former boss at the Marine Corps, always pushed me to be better. She set me up for success. When I was working for her, I had a motorcycle accident and nearly severed my foot. After the accident, I called Valerie and started talking about my outstanding work assignments. She abruptly stopped me. She wanted to talk about me—not the work. She provided amazing support during my recovery.

What do you do to relax?
I go into a room, lock the door and listen to gospel music. If I am feeling sad, I listen to something uplifting. If I am in a happy mood, I dance.

Music is very important to me. I am a member of my local church’s praise-and-worship choir. I have five karaoke machines in my home. My favorite karaoke song is Picture, a duet by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow.

What’s the best advice you received?
Always be kind to others because you don't know what they are going through.