Why Small Gestures are Big and What Great Leaders Already Do and Know

It is always so interesting to observe and see how those in positions of "substance" behave and act, especially when it comes to those that they oversee or who may report to them.

I continue to be impressed by those who lead by example and -- who

• take the time to write a nice note, which need not be on fancy stationery, or send a timely, enthusiastic and supporting email;
• congratulate those who have achieved something special and do so publicly, which makes it even more special;
• praise members of the organization for a job well-done;
• show up to events even when bosses may not be there to take attendance;
• do what should be done without extra financial compensation;
• mentor and advocate for those less fortunate or without the "right" connections;
• create opportunities that build up people and an organization rather than use tactics that "divide and destroy;"
• add humor and spirit to daily interactions.
  

As people move up (and down) the hierarchies of various organizations, institutions, corporations, and even universities, great leaders are those that will be followed because they took the time to acknowledge others.

One cannot be successful by doing it alone.

A Thank You from a Student

The surprise gift and Thank You card were left in my office mailbox. These unexpected acknowledgments that I received yesterday came from an excellent, and very hard-working, undergraduate student that had taken my Transportation & Logistics class last semester. She is majoring in Operations Management and will be graduating later this month from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. I have enjoyed the conversations that we shared very much.

The kindness and thoughtfulness of this student filled me with a very special warmth.

In the Thank You note that accompanied the beribboned box of Lindt chocolates, the student had written:

Professor Nagurney, You are one of the very few women role models that I have had in my life. You are very motivated and successful and inspire me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your student. I got the job as a *********** and that is due to your partial contribution from your referral and your inspiration. Thank you so much! I wish you well.

**************
Fall 09 Student


Last night I wrote back to this student that I will always treasure the Thank You note that she sent me and that I know that she will be very successful both personally and professionally.

Teaching is not easy but the rewards of connecting with students, mentoring them, and seeing them begin to realize their dreams are some of the best acknowledgments that a professor can ever receive.

Thank you letters, the World Science Festival, and the Association for Women in Mathematics Newsletter

Summer is a time when academics and researchers continue to challenge themselves with new and novel professional experiences. These they can then bring back to their classrooms, come the Fall.

One of the high points of my summer was taking part in the Traffic panel at the World Science Festival in NYC and being among invited participants that included Nobel prize winners, celebrated authors and scientists, and, yes, even movie stars. Such a festival and associated experiences elevate research and discovery and emphasize the importance of sharing and explaining science to general audiences in a fun and exciting manner. Of course, if one loves one's work and my research area of networks, in general, and transportation, in particular, is one of the most fascinating subjects and thrilling to communicate about, taking part in the World Science Festival (WSF) is a true celebration of science with lasting memories that continue to resonate. In fact, even last week, while teaching at Harvard University, the festival came up in discussions!

Yesterday, I received a thank you letter (and photos) from the organizers of the WSF, Professor Brian Greene of Columbia University, and Tracy Day, an award-winning journalist. Such attention to detail speaks volumes about their professionalism. Thank you letters matter, as I tell my students, and I try to practice this very important courtesy. In fact, my offices and desks are covered with thank you letters and letters of appreciation that I have received over the years, which serve as inspiration and acknowledgment of extended efforts.

The July-August issue of the Association for Women in Mathematics Newsletter has a feature article on my participation in the WSF. Thank you to the editor for this great coverage and for reinforcing the memories of those magical days in New York City in June!