In a recent LinkedIn post, Stacy Sherman, MBA. CSP® shares reflections on leadership, inspired by her daughter Lindsey Sherman’s recent promotion at Paycom. Sherman uses her daughter’s success as a springboard to define the key attributes of exceptional leadership, emphasizing that true leadership extends beyond fulfilling basic job requirements.
Sherman begins by highlighting the personal aspect of her observation, noting the common parental tendency to impart wisdom while overlooking the valuable lessons children can teach. She states:
“As a Mom, it’s easy to think our role is to impart wisdom onto our children. But the truth is, we have so much to learn from them.”
This personal anecdote sets the stage for a broader discussion on what constitutes great leadership in a professional context. Sherman identifies ‘discretionary effort’ as a foundational element.
The Core of Discretionary Effort
According to Stacy Sherman, MBA. CSP®, discretionary effort is the critical differentiator for high-performing individuals and leaders. She defines this concept as a conscious choice to deeply care about the outcome of one’s work, leading to actions that surpass the minimum expectations of a role. Sherman elaborates on this:
“It’s the choice to care about the outcome so much that you do more than the job asks. It’s anticipating what’s needed. Following up without being asked. Staying invested even when you could check out.”
In Sherman’s view, this level of commitment—going above and beyond and remaining engaged even when it would be easier to disengage—is a hallmark of true leadership potential. It signifies a proactive approach and a genuine investment in success.
Beyond Discretionary Effort: Essential Leadership Qualities
Sherman further outlines a set of complementary qualities that, in addition to discretionary effort, contribute to what she terms ‘great leadership.’ These are characteristics that foster a positive and effective work environment and drive consistent performance.
Key Attributes for Effective Leadership
In her post, Stacy Sherman, MBA. CSP® lists several crucial traits:
- A great sense of humor and a positive attitude
- Curiosity and openness to diverse viewpoints
- Caring and empathy towards others
- Perseverance, even when challenges seem insurmountable
- Reliability in delivering on promises
These qualities, as highlighted by Sherman, paint a picture of a well-rounded leader who is not only task-oriented but also people-focused. The emphasis on humor, positivity, curiosity, and empathy suggests a leader who can navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and inspire those around them.
The Importance of Follow-Through
Sherman’s inclusion of ‘Deliver on promises’ underscores the foundational importance of trust and reliability in leadership. As she implies, consistent follow-through builds credibility and reinforces the discretionary effort that leaders demonstrate.
Concluding her post, Sherman expresses pride in her daughter’s achievements, reinforcing the idea that hard work and these leadership qualities lead to tangible success. She encourages Lindsey to continue her trajectory, stating:
“Keep leading, inspiring, and raising the bar.”
Through her observations, Stacy Sherman, MBA. CSP® provides a valuable framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of effective leadership, drawing from personal experience to offer practical insights for professionals at all levels.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Stacy Sherman, MBA. CSP® on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on August 10, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →