Sendurai Mani, Professor of Medicine at Brown University, shared Marygrace Trousdell’s post on LinkedIn:
“The Leadership Lessons a Student Made Me Revisit
A student recently asked me: “How do I operate as a mentor and collaborator?”
It made me reflect on the lessons I’ve learned along the way. For me, leadership starts with assuming brilliance, not hierarchy.
I never assume anyone is “less” than me in knowledge, capability, or potential. I begin with the belief that others may be more knowledgeable than I am, until they prove otherwise. Relationships thrive when they’re reciprocal, built on respect and support rather than one-sided giving.
I also believe in giving back, whether directly to those who’ve helped us or by paying it forward to the next generation. I’ll never forget how my postdoctoral mentor, Dr. Robert Weinberg, shaped my path. The best way I can honor his impact is by helping others walk their own path.
And above all, true leadership is about empowering others, not competing with them.”
More posts featuring Sendurai Mani.