Leader Spotlight - Shawn Hufstedler

Our Leader Spotlight includes advice and insights from our clients and friends. It is our pleasure to shine the light on leaders who inspire growth, collaboration, and impact.

Meet Shawn Hufstedler, Chief Operating Officer, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).

Most important lesson you've learned about building and leading a team:

"Building and leading a team is different for each team. It differs based on the team members involved. Working with those team members to create an environment that works is unique for each team. Remembering that we are a team, and everyone brings their own unique strengths, makes a big difference."

Practice that has helped you lead with confidence, and how it has influenced your team:

"Problems arise. Experience teaches us that we will get through them. Trust that we will, and work through the problem. Something that seems like a big problem becomes more solvable when you realize bigger problems have been solved before."

Advice for leaders who want to create a workplace where people can flourish:

"Recognize that each person approaches their work in a different way, with different energy, with different skill sets, and with different experiences. Allow each person to bring their own style when there is flexibility to do so. Remember the end goal and recognize that there are multiple ways to get there."