10 Leadership Lessons from 26 Years at the Tampa Housing Authority
by Jerome D. Ryans, President & CEO - Tampa Housing Authority
In my 26 years as President and CEO of the Tampa Housing Authority, I have had the privilege of leading an organization dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing issues in our community: access to affordable and safe housing. Over the years, we finetuned our mission to focus on promoting affordable housing while empowering people and communities, and as the executive leader of the agency, I have made it a top priority to ignite our team with this mission. Through the highs and lows, triumphs and challenges, I have learned invaluable lessons that have shaped my leadership approach. These lessons are not just principles I hold dear but are integral to the mission of the Tampa Housing Authority.
1. You Gotta Have a Thick Skin
In leadership, developing thick skin is not just advisable-it is essential. The role of a leader comes with inevitable criticism, both constructive and otherwise. Along the years, I have learned that the ability to absorb feedback without taking it personally allows you to stay focused on the bigger picture. Criticism is part of the job, and how you handle it can define your tenure. To lead effectively, you must be able to listen to opposing views, process them, and move forward with the conviction that your decisions are in the best interest of those you serve.
2. Be Patient
You have heard that patience is a virtue, but in leadership, it is a necessity. In a diverse community like ours, where the needs and opinions of residents, stakeholders, and team members often vary, patience becomes your best ally. Pace yourself and allow your team to navigate through the complexity of the different issues, this will give you the clarity you need to make decisions that are thoughtful and inclusive. Rushed decisions often lead to short-term solutions that do not stand the test of time. I have learned that patience does not mean inaction; it means taking the time to understand the full scope of a situation before moving forward.
3. Recognize the Diversity of Views
The Tampa Housing Authority is a microcosm of the broader community, with residents, staff, and partners coming from diverse backgrounds. This diversity is a strength, but only if it is recognized and respected. Leadership is not about imposing your views but about creating an environment, in which different perspectives can be voiced and considered. The best solutions come from a mix of ideas, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. Recognizing and valuing diversity ensures that our decisions are well-rounded and reflective of the community we serve.
4. Stand Firm on Your Opinions
While it is crucial to listen to others, leadership also requires the ability to stand firm on your opinions when necessary. Being a leader often means making tough decisions, sometimes in the face of opposition. It is essential to stand by your principles, especially on days when nothing seems to go your way. The courage to hold your ground, even when it is not the popular choice, is what separates leaders from followers. This firm stance is not about being inflexible but about having the confidence to back your decisions with integrity and conviction.
5. Get Comfortable with Criticism
Criticism is a constant companion in leadership. Whether it is from residents, employees, or external stakeholders, dissent opinions will come often, and you have to get comfortable with them. I have learned to see criticism not as a setback but as an opportunity for growth. It pushes you to rethink strategies, reconsider decisions, and sometimes, even admit when you are wrong. The key is to not let criticism derail you but to use it as a tool for improvement. Constructive criticism, when taken in the right spirit, can be a catalyst for positive change.
6. Speak Up for Your Agency
One of the most important lessons I have learned is the need to be an outspoken advocate for my agency. As a leader, you are the voice of the organization, and it is your responsibility to speak up for your team, your mission, and your community. Whether it is taking interviews, speaking at events, or volunteering to lead initiatives, being proactive in representing the Tampa Housing Authority has been crucial in building trust and credibility. It is not enough to work behind the scenes; leaders must be visible, vocal, and engaged. The next time a proposed policy may affect the people you serve, do not hesitate, write that letter to the necessary stakeholders.
7. Let Experts Do Their Jobs
A good leader knows how to delegate and trusts their team to deliver. The Tampa Housing Authority is filled with talented professionals, each an expert in their field. Over the years, I have learned that micromanaging stifles innovation and hampers efficiency. My role is to set the vision, provide guidance, and then step back and let the experts do their jobs. This trust in your team not only empowers your staff but also allows you to focus on the broader strategic goals of the organization.
8. Be Willing to Take Risks
Leadership involves taking risks. Whether it is implementing new policies, launching initiatives, or advocating for change, risks are an inherent part of the job. I have learned that calculated risks are necessary for growth and progress. Playing it safe might keep things stable, but it rarely leads to innovation or significant impact. The key is to weigh the potential outcomes, make informed decisions, and be prepared to take responsibility for the results.
9. Do Not Believe the Hype-Positive or Negative
In leadership, it is easy to get caught up in the praise or criticism that comes your way, but I have learned that neither should define your leadership. Positive feedback can be affirming, but it should not lead to complacency. Similarly, negative feedback can be disheartening, but it should not lead to self-doubt. Staying grounded, focused on your mission, and committed to continuous improvement is what matters most.
10. Stand on Your Principles
Finally, leadership is about integrity. A leader's decisions impact lives and communities, having a strong moral compass is non-negotiable. There will be days when challenges seem impossible to overcome, and nothing goes as planned. On those days, standing on your principles, no matter how tough it is, is what sustains you. Integrity is not just about doing the right thing; it is about doing the right thing consistently, even when no one is watching.
Leadership is a continuous learning process. Every day brings new challenges, and with them, new lessons. The moment you stop learning, you stop leading. Throughout my tenure, I have embraced the idea that learning never stops-whether it is from successes, failures, team members, or even critics. This willingness to learn has been vital in navigating the constant shifts in affordable housing and community empowerment.
As I reflect on my 26 years at the Tampa Housing Authority, I am reminded of the importance of these leadership lessons. They have been instrumental in fulfilling our mission. Leadership is not just about making decisions; it is about making a difference.
