As I have stepped into this role of leadership, I have come to realize that I quite literally had no idea what I was getting myself into. What I thought the position was when I declared my candidacy to now is a complete 180 turn. No one really knows what goes into a respective position until they sit in the chair of those that came before you.

I have also learned extremely quickly that the people that make up your given organization are what makes the wheels turn; they are the ones that the public sees and the ones that the public form an opinion of, and they impact how your department or business or position is viewed. You are truly at the mercy of your employees.

A true leader will listen to those that are on the ground doing the work, executing the day-to-day duties that are tasked. The only way to make sure they are truly happy, truly projecting the goals that you have set forth in your vision is by listening to them.

When I say listening, that means active listening: truly considering their thoughts, feelings, perspective and their overall approach to the situation. You may not agree with or even end up doing it their way, but listening to them tells them that they are being heard and their opinions truly matter. Ask questions to clarify what they mean, repeat back what they are saying to make sure all understand, play devil’s advocate because no one can think of everything.

A good conversation can lead to change, but it will also lead to stronger relationships with your people.

Trust is built through listening. At the end of the day, it is the leader’s job to do what he/she feels is in the best interest of the organization.

There is a difference between listening, hearing and “being present.” In my opinion, listening encompasses all three. You are present, you are hearing them, and you are truly listening to their concerns and feelings.

Then there is just “hearing,” which is the proverbial “in one ear, out the other” mentality. They are hearing the words but not really putting any thought to it. Then there is “being present” which is the worst of all three to me. It is when someone makes it appear they care by “showing up” but have no intentions to listen, hear or even take the opinion of others into consideration. Rather, it is an empty promise of cooperation that is best done by a “boss” and not a “leader.”

Leaders are not bosses, and bosses are not leaders.

I have learned the hard way that everyone will slip into those negative “hearing and being present” scenarios. I have done it many times in this short time. Luckily, I believe I have the best employees around who have no problem telling me where I am coming up short. Leaders need that. Leaders need employees who aren’t afraid to stand up. Strong leaders create strong employees who become even stronger leaders. True leadership breeds more leaders.

Bosses kill environments and cultivate resentment. To quote Dan Gable: “Iron sharpens Iron.”

I will harp on this until my last day on Earth. Listening means creating space for voices to be heard, especially those that are often marginalized. When leaders actively listen, they demonstrate respect. They show that every person’s input matters, regardless of rank, experience, or background. This kind of empathetic leadership empowers individuals, nurtures a culture of inclusion, and encourages innovation. Respect grows partnerships, partnerships get things accomplished.

Empathy is another thing that I have learned quickly goes a long way. When I decided to run for sheriff I vowed to remember where I came from. This means that I need to ask myself: “Am I being the leader that I wanted when I was in their shoes?”

Often bosses forget where they came from and start dictating from a self-proclaimed golden throne that they believe they can sit on and rule from. True leaders cannot, and will not, last long on that throne.

I may not have always been in someone else’s situation, but I can damn well appreciate it from someone else’s perspective, make sure they are heard and make sure they know their opinions and experiences matter. I have failed at this many times, I have realized I have many shortcomings that I am working on, and I will until the end of days, but I know that when it comes to leadership, I come last. My people and the citizens of this county come first.

As I sat with retired Sheriff Dennis Hagenson in my office the other day, we got caught up talking about how we both go home and worry about our people. Our phones are never off. Yes, Sheriff Hagenson still does that to this day.

We worry about the weather conditions, people working alone, what they are going through, whether it be personally or professionally; we worry about the citizens and what they are going through. We each put a lot of stress on ourselves worrying about others.

We also don’t think of ourselves as being “leaders” and probably never will; rather, we feel just lucky to be in a place where we can make a difference and work alongside such great people and oversee such a great office within Hamilton County.

One of my favorite quotes is from the late President Ronald Reagan who said, “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one who gets the people to do the greatest things.”

To me, that means putting people first. Always.

Put everyone you encounter in a position to succeed. This can mean at work or in your personal life. Leadership isn’t a door you open and close and only go through certain parts of the day. It is a lifestyle. Live it.

Alex Pruismann is Hamilton County sheriff.