Written by: Cristina Garcia
At the beginning of my career, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do—I only knew where I didn’t want to end up. I didn’t want just any job; I wanted a career where I could make a real difference.
What truly inspired me to pursue leadership early on were my own experiences working under bosses who lacked the qualities of true leaders. I witnessed firsthand how poor leadership could impact morale, productivity, and the overall well-being of a team. It wasn’t just about missed deadlines or miscommunication—it was about people feeling undervalued, overlooked, and disconnected from their work. That environment made it clear to me that leadership could be so much more than just a title or authority; it could be a force for positive change.
I didn’t want to be the kind of leader who simply gave orders—I wanted to be someone who listened, who inspired, and who created an environment where people could grow and succeed. That desire to make a difference is what sparked my passion for leadership.
I came to realize that true leadership isn’t about power or control; it’s about service. It’s about being the kind of person who others trust, respect, and feel motivated to follow—not because they have to, but because they want to.
For me, leadership has always been more than just making decisions or delegating tasks. It’s about inspiring, guiding, and growing alongside those I lead. Early on, I struggled to balance decisiveness with empathy, often wondering how to be both strong and understanding. Over time, I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers or taking all the credit—it’s about creating an environment where the best ideas can thrive and where people feel empowered to do their best work.
A defining moment in my journey came when I was leading a project that hit an unexpected roadblock. Tensions were high, and the team was looking to me for direction. In the past, I might have tried to solve the problem on my own to prove I was capable. But this time, I took a step back and invited the team to brainstorm solutions together. What happened next was powerful—new ideas emerged, collaboration deepened, and not only did we overcome the obstacle, but we also strengthened our trust in each other. That experience cemented my belief that leadership is about creating space for others to shine and recognizing that success is a collective effort.
Working in a small, understaffed department has further refined my leadership style. We all wear multiple hats, often stepping outside our defined roles to keep things moving. In this environment, I’ve learned that effective leadership means being flexible, supportive, and present. It’s about leading by example—being willing to roll up my sleeves and jump into the trenches when needed, while also maintaining a clear vision and direction for the team.
My leadership style is grounded in collaboration, adaptability, and empowerment. I focus on building strong relationships, fostering open communication, and encouraging creative problem-solving. I believe in recognizing individual strengths and giving people the autonomy to own their work while knowing they have my full support. I also emphasize transparency, ensuring that even during challenging times; the team understands the bigger picture and feels involved in the process.
I’m fortunate to currently have a great, down-to-earth mentor—who also happens to be my boss. Their guidance has been invaluable in shaping my approach to leadership. They’ve shown me the importance of humility, patience, and staying true to one’s values, even under pressure. Having a mentor who leads with integrity and empathy has reinforced my belief that great leaders lift others up and create spaces where people feel both challenged and supported.
In a small team, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when resources are stretched thin. That’s why I strive to cultivate a positive, resilient culture—one where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth, and where everyone feels valued and heard. Leadership, to me, is about lifting others up, creating a sense of shared purpose, and guiding the team not just to meet goals but to thrive while doing it.
My leadership journey is far from over. I continue to grow, learn, and strive to make a meaningful impact—not just through results, but by empowering those around me to reach their full potential. Cristina Garcia | City of Alton Planning Director
Comments