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  • Tri-C President: Empower People by Equipping Them To Reach Their Potential

Tri-C President: Empower People by Equipping Them To Reach Their Potential

Michael A. Baston explains how leaders must actively connect people with opportunities

Graphic with image of Michael A. BastonManagers and executives often have an "open-door" policy to offer guidance and support, but that may not be enough. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., believes that leaders must do more to actively lead people through the door.

In his latest column for Smart Business Magazine, Baston highlights how organizations spend vast amounts of money to find talented people but do little to develop their skills and help them achieve upward mobility — a "cream rises to the top" attitude.

"Certainly, that can happen in some cases. But it's a passive way of empowering your people, and it might lead to talent gaps in your business and unrealized potential for those who didn't naturally find their opportunities to thrive," Baston said.

Baston explained that in his time leading the College, he has seen many people in Northeast Ohio who have the talent and drive to succeed and could potentially become assets to their businesses and organizations — but they may not have or be aware of the opportunities.

"When you talk about the future of your people and your business, what are you doing to guide people through the open door to upskilling and upward mobility?" Baston said. "How are you connecting them with the opportunities around them? How are you helping them to take those first critical steps toward the next phase of their careers?"

Baston pointed to the thousands of area residents who come to Tri-C seeking the education and training that will help them achieve a better future. The College also partners with dozens of area businesses and organizations to help them find qualified new employees and upskill existing employees.

Tri-C's workforce programs span a range of industries, including advanced manufacturing, health care, IT, construction and transportation/logistics. The College also has leadership training through Corporate College®, the Center for Entrepreneurs and our Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

"Your door can always be open. But when it comes to training, that's not enough," Baston said. "The future of your business largely depends on how well you can guide your employees — both new and existing — through that door and toward a better, brighter future."

Read the entire column at sbonline.com.

Baston is a regular contributing author for Smart Business Magazine. Read his previous columns:

  • Nobody has a crystal ball, but you can still anticipate what's coming and prepare for it
  • Standing still equals falling behind, no matter how big your business
  • Podcasts are a great way to reach a large audience — if you use them properly
  • Cleveland as Ohio's career capital
  • Evolving your business to stay relevant

February 07, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu

© 2025 Cuyahoga Community College
700 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

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