Marlins GM KIM NG said that she has been able to find success in a male-dominated field in part because she is "fairly relatable" and because, as a former college athlete, she has a "pretty good idea of how to talk to athletes and coaches," according to a Q&A with Steve Serby of the N.Y. POST. Ng discussed being a trailblazer and her leadership style. Below are excerpts from the Q&A, edited for clarity and brevity:
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
Ng: No. 1, leading by example. I think No. 2, I will try and be as straightforward and honest as I can with people. And third, I will say that I really do care about the staff and where they want to go in their careers and will help them get there. I think that’s really important for them to know this is not just about this team, but it’s also about them as individuals. ... No. 4, I’m not a micro-manager. ... And 5, I’m a team player, and I want to hear from them.
Q: Describe the pressure or responsibility of being a quote-unquote trailblazer.
Ng: I definitely feel that pressure. I know it’s out there. A lot of people are looking to me. But I feel that my experience and my demeanor and my staff are going to help us quite a bit in trying to win a world championship.
Q: How would you describe your negotiation style?
Ng: I like to just shoot it fairly straight. I don’t like to waste a ton of time.
Q: How does Marlins CEO DEREK JETER’s leadership style compare with late Yankees Owner GEORGE STEINBRENNER's leadership style if at all?
Ng: He’s shown a lot of patience. He’s trying to build this organization from the ground up, and that meant taking several steps backward in order to move forward (N.Y. POST, 4/18).
