There may be exceptions in Trigg County, but regardless of the organization, leadership is complex because people are complex.
This was Dr. Anton Reece’s overarching message to the Cadiz Rotary Club Tuesday afternoon, as he discussed his recently released book: “Innovative Strategies for Leadership: Secret Recipes For Success.”
On the other side of this, he said, are a special 20% known as “all stars,” meaning the remaining 60% are “somewhere in the middle” — and on any given day, either end of the spectrum could have positive, or negative, influence on the majority.
Reese said “young whippersnappers” often want “the promotion, but without the process,” and his book identifies 10 ingredients that typically make good leaders.
He shared four of absolute necessity:
1) Be fundamentally sound in one’s craft.
2) Possess self-organization skills.
3) Maintain mental and physical wellness.
And 4) be able to handle criticism.
Reece also noted there is significant difference between a mentor, an advocate and a cheerleader.
In October, Reece will celebrate a decade as President & CEO of West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah — which, through the years, has produced its own leaders and talent back into the regional workforce.
A fellow Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow, Reece said he’s been fortunate to achieve some “great things with a great team” in McCracken County, and that the COVID pandemic in 2020 did allow him some time to slow down and write his novel — which came on a gentle nudge from his wife, Cornelia, as they celebrate 36 years of marriage, as well as Hopkinsville Community College President & CEO Dr. Alissa Young.
A Barbados native, Reece has built a dual career in broadcasting and higher education spanning more than 30 years. He holds degrees from Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State University and a doctorate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reece has held leadership roles at WKCTC and UT Knoxville, and became WKCTC’s second president in 2016.
Under his leadership, WKCTC has earned national recognition, including Aspen honors and a $15 million grant from MacKenzie Scott. A national speaker, Reece is known for fostering partnerships, supporting underserved communities, and promoting student success and workforce development.
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