LEADERSHIP

Hello Leaders

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What does transformational leadership look like in action? Consider the remarkable journey of Nick James, a Level 25 MPOO in the Florida 1 District, who oversees 49 offices and leads a workforce of over 1,400 employees. In less than one fiscal year, Nick propelled his district’s performance ranking from 154th to an impressive 30th — a leap that speaks volumes about the power of visionary leadership.

     Though Nick is not within my direct chain of command, his reputation for inspiring excellence precedes him. He recently joined the UPMA LEADership Development Call, where he shared insights into the principles that drive his success. I’ve had the privilege of speaking with Nick personally, and I can say without hesitation — his approach to leadership is both captivating and deeply effective.  

     Nick leads with empathy and intentionality. He listens not only with logic but with heart, creating a culture where every team member feels heard and valued. He empowers his employees with autonomy, but never without equipping them with the training and confidence to act decisively. His teams don’t wait for direction — they take initiative, driven by a shared commitment to excellence. He understands that engagement is the cornerstone of performance. High standards are non-negotiable, but Nick ensures they are attainable. His team consistently delivers because they trust his integrity, his judgment, and his unwavering support. He is a servant leader in the truest sense — one who recognizes that morale isn’t a soft metric, but a strategic imperative.

While some leaders lean on positional authority, Nick exemplifies what leadership scholars call “Referent Power” — the ability to inspire through respect, trust, and genuine care. His employees strive for success not out of obligation, but because they know their leader is invested in their wellbeing and growth. He fosters loyalty through transparency, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of operational excellence. Nick James stands out not just for what he achieves, but for how he achieves it. His leadership is a masterclass in building selfless high-performing teams through trust, empowerment, and purpose. For those of us committed to elevating the standards of leadership across the Postal Service, Nick is a shining example of what’s possible. 

After Nick’s appearance on the UPMA LEADership Development Call, the UPMA National Office started receiving calls and emails asking questions about how he took his MPOO group from 154^th to 30^th .  Below is a link to a short video that Nick recorded where he walks us through his process. 

https://youtu.be/XxiVPTyCaaI?si=ux8_XnVVUU4zNAzE

Kevin E. Terry
Host of the UPMA LEADership Development Program