STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga.–The woman who became the third African-American female to reach the rank of rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and who now serves on the board of Navy Federal Credit Union outlined for credit union leaders here the principles she said have guided her and that she recommends others follow.
Annie B. Andrews, who also is a former assistant administrator for Human Resources Management in the FAA and who now leads Andrews Consulting Enterprises, LLC., said she is the only person of color of the nine voting members on Navy FCU’s board. Her remarks came during the African American Credit Union Coalition’s 25th anniversary meeting here.
The Principles for Leadership
The principles outlined by Andrews included:
Authenticity, Approachability and Accountability
“These three traits are the foundation for effective leadership,” according to Andrews. “They interconnect, reinforce and foster professional relationships. They build trust, open communication and encourage collaboration.”
To fulfill those three traits, Andrews urged everyone in her audience to “Be yourself. Be authentic. You are who you are.”
Andrews said that as she rose through the ranks of the Navy people wondered if she was going to change.
“I didn’t change. I was the same person you saw as an ensign,” Andrews said. “Do not let people change you because they think you should be doing this or acting a certain ways. This is one of the foundations of effective leadership.”
Being Approachable
Andrews said she has always strived to be approachable during her career, as should anyone in a leadership position.
Annie B. Andrews speaking to AACUC meeting.
“If something (bad) happened on the job, that can be tough to talk about when your manager is seen as not being approachable,” said Andrews. “I want to hear it all. As people say, ‘Bad news doesn’t get better with time.’ We want to make sure people are aware of things there and then. If you are not approachable, people are not going to come and talk to you. I would go around and talk to people. That’s important. It’s important to get to know them on a different basis, to ask about their family. Get out from behind your desk and walk around and talk to people.”
Being Accountable
Andrews said this means being responsible.
“How many of you have known someone who, when things go wrong, they point the fingers?” asked Andrews. “You are accountable for the people who work with you and for you every day. You are accountable for members who may be having a bad day. So, treat people right and with the most respect possible. I know you see things on Twit Twit or whatever, you don’t need to act that way. You have to be accountable and not push (blame) on (lower-ranked) people. And they will see how you respond when there is a need to be held accountable.”
Self Awareness, Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
According to Andrews, leaders with self awareness recognize and understand their own emotions, liabilities and assets.
“Leaders with empathy build strong relationships demonstrate understanding and create an inclusive and supportive environments,” said Andrews. “Understand the difference between sympathy and empathy. When you can empathize, I think that is one of the strongest characteristics you can have.
Fairness, Honesty & Commitment
Andrews said she has learned honesty builds trust as it demonstrates reliability and credibility. To that end she urged leaders to inspire others to embrace the qualities and nurture a culture of integrity. Those qualities, she said, promote a sense of respect, integrity, and reliability, which fosters a positive environment.
“When we talk about fairness, let’s talk a little bit about promotions,” said Andrews. “Sometimes we have worked so hard, and they pass over us. But do we ever go and approach them? It may or may not change things, but they heard from you. I always tell women, in particular, who want a seat at the corporate table, what are you doing to not get there? My thing is, when you are at the table and you know everything in your mind, you don’t say it. While you’re not saying it, the next person is getting the raise and the promotion. I say stand up and speak up when necessary. If you don’t have a chair at the table, bring your own chair. Be versatile. No one is going to speak up for you. No one is going to toot your horn.”
Continuous Learning, Thought Leadership & Resilience
Andrews said everyone should encourage personal growth while learning from mistakes and embracing feedback.
“We always have to be a thought leader,” said Andrews, telling her audience everyone needs to be thinking about “What is next?” and then “how to get there.”
“As we become senior, we also have to remain flexible. Read more. Take a course. Keep up. What’s out there that’s next?” Andrews said of the questions to ask.
Decision Making, Vision & Communication
Leaders should demonstrate decisiveness and stand by the outcomes of their decisions, according to Andrews.
Leaders, said Andrews:
- Generate different ideas, consider different options and develop a plan of action.
- Analyze steps needed to reach goals and stay focused despite obstacles
- Define their vision and communicate its importance.
“Communication is a beautiful thing--if you use it,” said Andrews.
‘Why Not?’
Andrews noted one of her last jobs in the Navy was to oversee all of the recruiting stations, some 1,500 in all. She said she would often go visit some of the stations in more remote parts of the country.
“People would say, ‘Wow, you came to the middle of Kansas to see us?’ And I would say, ‘Why not? You are just as important as the bigger cities.’ And sometimes I would pick up the phone and call. That can be an ‘oh, no’ in the military. But I was calling just to see how they were doing, just talk to people, send out notes.”
Andrews said when sailors and civilians under her command lost a family member, she would always send a note of sympathy.
“These are important to do,” Andrews stated.
Collaboration, Synergy and Team Engagement
According to Andrews:
- Leaders should foster collaboration and ensure every team member fees trusted, valued and supported
- Empower individuals to speak up, take calculated risks and promote open and honest discussion.
Andrews shared the Booker T. Washington quote, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up.”
Andrews also urged credit unions to take up one of her daily practices.
“I enjoy thanking people. It costs you absolutely nothing to say thank you, to write a note to say how much I appreciate you. Please do that,” she recommended.
Positive Takeaways
Andrews offered these “positive takeaways.”
- Leadership should be marked by commitment to collaboration, engagement and the creation of a culture where teamwork leads to extraordinary achievements
- Leaders should forge a future of remarkable achievements, meaningful connections, and positive change
- Your leadership journey should be guided by self-awareness, growth, and the unwavering commitment to become the best leader you can be.
The Five L’s
Andrews, who said she has led her life according to the five L’s—live, love, learn, laugh and legacy—asked her audience, “What will your legacy be?”