As we make our way through Women’s History Month, Graham Media Group is highlighting many worthy stories that are women-related, but most importantly: We're talking to our own female leaders.
We picked the brain of Terri Cope Walton, VP and General Manager of WJXT/WCWJ in Jacksonville, Florida, to learn more about her journey to leadership, what makes someone an effective co-worker and what advice she has.
Q: Who was your mentor, and how did you grow that relationship?
A: My first mentor was my father. In the fourth grade, I had to make a sign. I grabbed a marker and wrote the message on a piece of whiteboard. My father said, “Let’s try this again.” He got another piece of whiteboard, measured it and cut it so it was even. Then, he used a ruler to draw equidistant lines, in pencil, across the board. We wrote the message in pencil until it was perfect, traced it with marker, then erased all the pencil lines. The finished product was a polished and professional looking piece of signage. I honor that relationship by putting in the extra effort, regardless of the assignment, which is a practice that has served me well professionally and personally.
Q: What are the three most important factors that make you an effective, valued co-worker?
A: The most important factors I believe make me an effective co-worker are (that) I’m consistent, transparent and fair. The most respectful thing I can do is to be the same person — most of the time. We all have challenging moments, but that should not affect how I present to others. Nor should I burden them with trying to predict what to expect from me. It is equally as respectful to let people know how you feel. The truth always surfaces, and even if you don’t like it, most of us appreciate not being surprised. Finally, I believe in being fair. The hard part is understanding equity does not mean everyone is treated the same, and that often initiates deeper conversations of transparency with consistency.
Q: What advice would you give yourself when you were just starting your career?
A: If present me could speak with my younger self, I would tell her, “It will be as it should be.” I remember spending a lot of time worrying about life’s destinations: In what field will I build a career? Will I be successful? Who will I choose to marry? Will I be a mother? Then, looking back, I realize all that worry was unnecessary and did not advance or alter the course of my life. And if anything, it took away from the joys of the journey! Sometimes you make intentional decisions. Other times decisions are made despite your best intentions. But it really is a sum total game, and when all is said and done, it will be as it should be.