Shannon Csapilla: Leading by Building Strong Teams

Leadership plays a vital role in both personal and professional growth. Shannon Csapilla has learned this firsthand through her experiences managing teams, mentoring others, and fostering collaboration. Her leadership philosophy is built on empathy, accountability, and the ability to adapt. These traits, combined with her willingness to listen and learn, have shaped her career and helped her make an impact on others.

“Early in my career, I worked in administrative roles where everything had to run smoothly,” Shannon says. “I learned quickly that good organization wasn’t just about tasks—it was about clear communication and building trust.”

Leadership Starts with Listening 

Shannon believes listening is the most important part of leadership. Understanding people’s challenges and goals is where progress begins.

“When I transitioned into finance, I worked with a colleague who was overwhelmed with a project. Instead of offering solutions right away, I asked her what she needed. She outlined her priorities, and together, we restructured her plan,” she says. “That experience taught me how powerful listening can be.”

Data supports this. A study from Zenger Folkman found that leaders who listen effectively are 62% more likely to be seen as effective by their teams.

When managing a team, set aside time for one-on-one check-ins. Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s been working for you?” or “What’s your biggest challenge right now?”

Building Trust Through Accountability 

Accountability is another cornerstone of Shannon’s leadership approach. Following through on commitments and owning up to mistakes builds trust.

“In one role, I missed a deadline because I didn’t prioritize correctly,” she recalls. “I owned up to it immediately and created a plan to fix the issue. My manager appreciated the honesty, and it taught me the importance of taking responsibility.”

Employees want this in their leaders. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that 79% of employees who trust their manager feel more engaged at work.

Keep a task tracker or checklist to ensure follow-through on your commitments. If you miss a deadline, communicate the reason and your plan to resolve it.

Collaboration Brings Better Results 

Shannon emphasizes the importance of collaboration in leadership. She views teamwork as essential for solving problems and achieving shared goals.

“During a group project, we hit a roadblock with conflicting ideas,” she explains. “I asked each person to share their perspective. We found common ground and ended up with a stronger solution than if we’d gone with just one idea.”

Studies back this up. Research from Stanford University found that individuals working in collaborative environments are 64% more likely to stick with tasks than those working alone.

Encourage team brainstorming sessions. Use structured techniques like round-robin discussions so everyone has a chance to contribute.

Adaptability Matters in Leadership 

The ability to adapt to change has been critical for Shannon’s success. In fast-paced industries like finance, flexibility is a must.

“When I switched from mortgage processing to wealth management, it felt like starting from scratch,” Shannon says. “I spent extra time learning, asking questions, and building my confidence step by step. That adaptability paid off when I was able to connect with clients in new ways.”

Adaptability is more than just a buzzword. A LinkedIn survey found that 69% of companies rate adaptability as one of the most important soft skills in leadership.

When facing change, focus on one small step at a time. Break challenges into manageable parts and seek feedback from trusted colleagues.

Mentoring Future Leaders 

Mentorship is a core part of Shannon’s leadership philosophy. She believes in sharing knowledge and supporting others as they grow.

“One of my proudest moments was mentoring a new hire who lacked confidence. I worked with her on a challenging project, giving her space to lead while offering guidance. By the end, she presented her work to the team and nailed it,” she shares.

According to a survey by MentorcliQ, 89% of employees with mentors feel their work is valuable, compared to just 75% of those without.

Offer mentorship to someone in your workplace. Even small gestures like reviewing their work or sharing feedback can have a lasting impact.

The Role of Self-Improvement in Leadership 

Shannon is a firm believer in investing in personal growth. She prioritizes lifelong learning as a way to stay adaptable and effective.

“I’ve taken courses on communication and read books on leadership,” she says. “Each new skill or insight helps me lead with more clarity and confidence.”

Leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes—it’s about empowering others. Shannon Csapilla’s approach to leadership—built on listening, trust, collaboration, adaptability, and mentorship—shows how thoughtful actions can create stronger teams and better results.

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