Stanton Chase Managing Director Discusses 'Evolved Leaders' at National Sports Safety And Security Conference

Steve Watson, a veteran executive search consultant, recently addressed attendees of the 2016 National Sports Safety and Security Conference in Phoenix on today’s “evolved leader”, a topic that spans all levels of Corporate America. The conference was held from July 12-14, 2016 at the Phoenix Ridge Resort and Spa.

Watson, Managing Director of the Dallas office of global retained executive search firm Stanton Chase, presented his unique perspective based on decades in the industry. Stanton Chase has over 70 offices in 45 countries. The conference audience was made up of sports venue and event operators, managers, security and safety staff, first responders, and law enforcement professionals, and included representatives from the following: professional leagues, intercollegiate athletics, inter-scholastic athletics and marathon/endurance events.

“There is certainly a ‘revolution’ happening and if the leaders of today hope to impact organizations tomorrow they must adapt strategies, recognize and accept change, and boldly move forward with a new leadership style,” said Watson. “Perhaps the greatest challenge for today’s leaders is the workforce is comprised of four very distinct generations, all with differing views of the workplace. They include Silent, Baby Boomers, GenXers, and Millenials.”

Central to Watson’s presentation was detailing these changing times and pointing out the traits and skills needed by today’s leaders, including strategic thinking and innovative ways of leading and communicating. He also contrasted these skills to obsolete practices of the past, such as top-down and rigid management, amongst others.

“In our work as global search consultants, we are seeing these forces at work on a daily basis,” said Watson. “We are finding the best candidates are those who embrace change and don’t long for the ‘good old days’.

‘We are continually looking for those candidates who acknowledge these changes, accept and practice them. The best candidates are those who recognize these changes and can document how their leadership abilities have evolved.”