Empowerment and Growth – The Leadership Philosophy of Russell Schuster

By  //  December 6, 2023

Russell Schuster, a graduate of High Point University in International Business and Spanish, has forged a path of purposeful leadership and community engagement.

His career, starting at Western Union, was not just a professional initiation but also a journey of understanding, deeply influencing his perspective on business and life.

Schuster’s commitment to social responsibility became evident early on. His experiences in Central America and the Caribbean left a lasting impression, shaping his approach to leadership and community involvement. His time in Florida further demonstrated this commitment as he and his wife immersed themselves in local community work, particularly with homeless shelters and youth soccer programs.

An MBA program sharpened Schuster’s business education, but it was his return to Ridgefield, Connecticut, that solidified his approach to leadership and community service. His involvement with the elderly and various community projects showcased his belief in the power of community and the responsibility of leaders to contribute positively. He emphasizes the weight of this responsibility, stating, “I take this responsibility very seriously and do my very best to make the ‘right decision.'”

Schuster’s career has taken him across North America, from California to Canada and Texas, each location offering new opportunities to demonstrate his leadership philosophy. He holds a strong conviction that leaders must predominantly make the right decisions, a belief that he considers vital and perhaps even controversial. “That is not to say that a leader can’t make mistakes or bad decisions but generally, they must be right!” Schuster asserts.

In defining his leadership style, Schuster categorizes himself as a servant and motivational leader who genuinely cares about people. This empathetic approach is balanced with a strong emphasis on communication and the need to set high expectations focused on results, not emotions​​. “Shiny Object Syndrome is a killer,” he emphasizes. His leadership is characterized by a keen focus on operational improvements and safety performance, aspects he believes are critical in any transformative role.

His approach to decision-making and team motivation is best summed up in his own words: “A combination of all these things plus discussion with my teammates usually gets us to the answer. If it leaves us 80% there, well, that’s where experience and leadership come into play!”​​. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on results and factors within one’s control, encouraging his team to challenge each other and maintain a focus on the organization’s strategic objectives.

 

His approach to fostering a culture of collaboration involves being a visible leader and engaging directly with employees at all levels, from frontline staff to executives. Schuster actively seeks their input and works with them to develop actionable strategies, exemplifying his belief that “the corporate team works for the customer-facing teams”​​.

When it comes to decision-making, especially in challenging situations, Schuster advocates for empowering frontline employees to make daily decisions, emphasizing the importance of intuition and experience in addition to data. “A combination of all these things plus discussion with my teammates usually gets us to the answer,” he explains​​.

Schuster’s strategies for maintaining team motivation and productivity revolve around regular executive meetings, focusing on strategic drivers and initiatives, and encouraging his team to focus on what they can control​​. He measures success through a combination of operating profit, Net Promoter Score, employee engagement scores, safety metrics, and the overall team atmosphere​​.

In promoting professional development, Schuster is a proponent of self-development and supports his team with executive coaching, online leadership courses, and skill-based classes. Schuster shares an experience in Florence, Italy, where he had to adjust his approach to align with the pace and culture of the organization. This experience highlights his adaptability and willingness to tailor his leadership to different contexts​​.

To aspiring leaders, Schuster advises, “Work hard and focus on building relationships. Learn something! If you’re lucky enough to know what you love, be an expert.” He emphasizes the importance of being genuine and building a diverse skill set​​.

Back in Ridgefield, Schuster’s dedication to addressing societal issues such as racism and inequality has only intensified. His collaboration with organizations like ABC highlights his commitment to making a tangible difference and learning from diverse experiences.

Russell Schuster describes his leadership style as a blend of empowerment, decision-making autonomy, and a focus on team dynamics. He believes in the importance of professional development and invests in his team’s growth, ensuring they have the opportunities to advance and learn. His leadership philosophy helps people discover their potential and capacity for meaningful contributions within their company and the wider community.