Leadership Spotlight: 5 Questions for Rich Harrington
1. Looking back on your career, what experiences or defining moments have most shaped the leader you are today?
Mistakes are defining moments in our personal and professional growth. None of us enjoy discussing our mistakes, yet we all make them. The key to becoming a good leader lies in learning from those mistakes and making meaningful adjustments. By doing so, we position ourselves to grow. Never be afraid to raise your hand, acknowledge an error, and take the necessary steps to move forward with purpose and confidence.
2. What is one leadership principle or lesson you rely on most when guiding teams through growth or change?
I believe one of the most important principles in effective leadership is to encourage collaboration among team members. While there are many challenges that can be addressed by an individual person, the most complex and impactful issues often require collective problem-solving. During this process, it is crucial to intentionally engage employees from various parts of the organization to gain a holistic understanding of how decisions will impact the broader business. By doing so, leaders can drive alignment, mitigate unforeseen challenges, and build a stronger, more cohesive team.
3. Legence places a strong emphasis on people and culture. What do you believe makes a team or workplace truly successful? What advice would you give to someone early in their career who aspires to lead one day?
Reflecting on the successful teams I’ve been part of, one common thread emerges—they operate without ego. If you find a team with many egos, you will more than likely find a team that is not successful. A critical rule for any team should be to check your ego at the door. Teams that prioritize mutual respect, humility, and a shared vision are ones that succeed.
For those early in their career who aspire to become good leaders, my advice would be to be a good listener. Listening is a skill, and a good leader understands that they don’t have to have all the answers to every problem. When you listen to others around you and actively seek input, you gain valuable insight and foster trust—enabling you to lead better.
4. As the built environment continues to evolve, what trends or opportunities are you most excited about in the years ahead?
The sky is the limit when it comes to opportunities in the built environment. I am particularly excited about working with new clients, exploring cross-selling opportunities with other Legence companies, and exchanging best practices with other mechanical contractors in the Legence family. As a company deeply involved in the data center sector, I am excited about advancements in AI and its potential to transform the landscape of future data centers. This is a very exciting time to be part of our industry.
5. When you’re not working, what helps you recharge or offers perspective outside of today?
Recharging away from work is essential for me. I find that creating intentional pauses—moments free from deadlines or expectations—allows me to reconnect with myself and sustain both my motivation and well-being. I especially enjoy spending time with my wife, daughter, and son-in-law at the beach. Without doubt, the most rewarding role I’ve had in life is that of a husband and father.
