The Two Patricks

Steve is taking some time off through September 8th.  In the meantime, four very different and talented writers/leaders will add their unique backgrounds to All Things Workplace.

Today: Becky Robinson, the voice of Mountain State University’s LeaderTalk and active connector of leadership discussions via @LeaderTalk.

This spring, Patrick Yoes fulfilled a lifelong goal, completing his bachelor's degree.

To do it, he enlisted the help of a friend, longtime colleague Patrick Beard. They had attended school together before, completing an associate degree in criminal justice. To complete their bachelor's degrees, they joined a cohort of students in Mountain State University's Bachelor of Science/Organizational Leadership program.

Each man knew he would need the support and encouragement of the other. They had certainly faced more difficult challenges together: both in day to day situations, at the St. Charles Parish Sherriff's department and in times of crisis. In 2005, both served as first responders to Hurricane Katrina. Working side by side, they helped lead efforts in their community to maintain order and provide services to people in need.

Before entering MSU's leadership program, Yoes learned his leadership skills at "The University of Day to Day Operations." His leadership style was developed intuitively over time by working with people. His studies at Mountain State gave him the opportunity to dissect his leadership practices and to understand himself and his strengths more completely. This new knowlege helped him to learn ways of leading others more effectively.

The two Patricks met together regularly during their studies. Over coffee, they shared insights and questions from the readings and discussed class projects. Whenever one got discouraged about the hard work of completing a degree while managing work and other commitments, the other would encourage him to keep going.

Now Patrick Yoes continues to share his knowledge with others, by teaching a class in organizational leadership to members of the National Fraternal Order of Police.

A few lessons from the two Patricks:

• It's never too late to complete your degree.

Patrick Yoes worked in law enforcement for nearly 25 years before finishing his degree, gaining valuable life experiences that he could reflect on and integrate into his studies.

• Life experiences count.

Mountain State's leadership programs give college credit for documented training/life experiences.

• Stick together.

It always helps to bring someone along with you when you are attempting something new. The two Patricks stayed strong with their studies because they had each other for encouragement.

• Share what you've learned with others.

Yoes tells the students in his leadership classes that they have two choices about what they can do with their knowledge: they can use it for themselves, or they can share it with others. By sharing what we know about leadership with others, we increase our influence and empower others to lead.

I am sharing more inspiration from Patrick Yoes today at the LeaderTalk blog, including a chance to win Chest Deep and Rising Yoes' first-hand account of his experiences during Hurricane Katrina. Be sure to join me there and leave a comment for your chance to win the book.

Comments

[L. Pemberton]

You could not be more right about Patrick Yoes. He does his homework, I have attended many functions where Patrick was either the instructor or guest speaker; he always delivers the perfect message by knowing the subject and the audience. Patrick leads by example in his actions, word and deed. I have had the pleasure of working with and for him for many years. He is more than a boss, a mentor, a friend and a charismatic writer (Chest Deep and Rising is a great book)... he is a true leader!

[Frode H]

I once learned that the best diet is to help someone else to lose weight. So finding a strong partner is very important.