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  • Linda Barnett, director of Oklahoma Main Street, talks to Woodward Chamber of Commerce members at Monday’s monthly luncheon. Photo by Johnny McMahan

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March 9, 2010

State main street director discusses leadership

Jenah Kastelic Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — When she became the Woodward Main Street Program manager in 1990, Linda Barnett played a leadership role in transforming the area into the successful, charming place that it is today.  In fact, the street went from having 31 vacancies downtown to less than five in only two years.

On Monday, Barnett was the guest speaker at the Woodward Chamber of Commerce's monthly luncheon.  She specifically addressed the newly announced Leadership Woodward class, that is operated through the Chamber’s education committee.

Today, Barnett’s efforts are not focused solely on Woodward, but rather on many communities across Oklahoma and the country.

She serves as Director of the Oklahoma Main Street Center through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.  She also serves as chairman of the Executive Committee of the Coordinating Programs of the National Trust Main Street Center and has a seat on the Board of Trustees of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Though she doesn’t think of herself as a leader, Barnett said following her passion has motivated others to follow her, which resulted in preserving the historic character of downtowns everywhere.  What she does is bigger than herself, and she shared with potential leaders in the audience attributes that a good leader might need.

She said a good leader needs confidence, integrity and magnanimity. 

“Willingness to admit a mistake is huge, in my opinion,” Barnett said.  “A magnanimous leader ensures that credit for successes is spread widely as possible throughout.”

Another attribute Barnett said is helpful to being a good leader is to “understand the nature of your business.”  She said you don’t have to be an expert on everything, but you need to have a good grasp on it.

Lastly, she said a sense of humor is vital to relieve tension and boredom, as well as to defuse hostility.  Simply put, she added, “humor fosters good camaraderie.”

This is the third year in a row for Leadership Woodward, and this year’s members represent all segments of the community.  The 2010 members include:  Landon Combs, of K-101 radio; Rochelle Covington, of Cycle City; Steve Day, Woodward Fire Chief; Mistie Dunn, Woodward County Assessor; Char Faus, of the Woodward Chamber of Commerce; Todd Finley, Woodward Fire Marshall and Thurman Fussell, of High Plains Outreach.

Others in this year’s class are:  Rob Roberson, Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum director; Maggie Sander, Highland Park principal; Tracy Stine, of First American Bank; Ian Swart, curator at Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum; Rev. Jeff Swigart, of Bible Baptist Church and Karen Whitcomb, of the Olde Holiday Inn.

Barnett closed her speech with encouraging words for the 2010 class of Leadership Woodward.  She said, “You have the unique opportunity to put your ideas to work to improve your community and your chances of making them a reality are much better than if you lived in Oklahoma City or certainly Washington, D.C.  You have more opportunity to lead and to develop here than anywhere else.”

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