Leading Across Differences: Mayor G.T. Bynum's Journey with Leadership Tulsa
Alumni Spotlight: G.T. Bynum, Mayor of Tulsa
Organization: City of Tulsa
Community Leadership Program: Leadership Tulsa
When G.T. Bynum returned to Tulsa after a decade away, he viewed the city through the eyes of a high school student. It wasn’t until he participated in Leadership Tulsa that he gained an adult's understanding of the issues shaping his community. This program was pivotal, not only for his professional growth but also for the way it deepened his civic engagement and transformed his ability to lead across differences.
Learning Across Differences
One of the central tenets of Leadership Tulsa is exposing participants to diverse perspectives. For Mayor Bynum, the program introduced him to leaders in parts of the city he had never connected with before. This experience developed his intellectual humility, helping him recognize the limits of his own knowledge and become more open to perspectives he hadn't previously considered. As he shared, “Understanding the challenges and opportunities they faced from a first-hand perspective greatly improved my ability to participate in the civic life of our city.”
Through this exposure, Bynum developed key conflict resolution skills, learning how to both explore areas of agreement and navigate disagreements while building common ground. These skills are critical for fostering trust among people with different views and values, a necessity for effective governance in a diverse community.
Behavior Change in Action
Leadership Tulsa’s impact on Bynum’s leadership style became clear when he was elected to the Tulsa City Council. Thanks to the relationships and knowledge built during his time in the program, he knew which experts to rely on for guidance on citywide issues. His ability to disagree constructively, appreciate nuance, and engage confidently in conversations around tough issues reflected the key behavior changes cultivated in the program, such as:
Greater confidence to disagree better – He could navigate differing opinions and bring people together toward a solution.
Increased trust in others' views and values – He learned to lean on experts and community leaders from different sectors, further enriching his decision-making process.
A deeper sense of belonging – By building relationships with diverse leaders, Bynum felt a stronger connection to the city and a renewed sense of purpose in his public service.
Building a Stronger Tulsa
Leadership Tulsa helped Mayor Bynum transform the way he leads, both in his role as mayor and as a member of the city council. By connecting with leaders across the city, he helped foster a greater sense of belonging and community. As he puts it, his experiences helped shape more durable solutions to Tulsa’s challenges by harnessing the energy of hope and collaboration across sectors.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
For those considering applying to a community leadership program, Mayor Bynum offers this advice: "Programs like Leadership Tulsa give you the understanding and the network you need to be an effective leader. They expose you to perspectives you wouldn't otherwise have and challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. If you want to make a real impact in your community, this is a great place to start."