Leadership is a crucial skill that is essential in all aspects of life, whether it's in the workplace, at home, or in the community. I feel fortunate to have had incredible women support my growth throughout my career, in roles such as managers, peers, direct reports, and even CEOs. These women have provided me with unique perspectives that have helped me become a better leader and a better person. While I could write a book on all that I've learned, I want to share some of my favorite leadership lessons taught from these women and how we can apply them in the workplace.
- As high achievers, we can put an enormous amount of pressure on ourselves to always perform at our peak.? I had a boss pull me aside when she noticed me running on fumes but still demanding more from myself. She said, “Always do your best, but know your best will look different.” We might be dealing with a sick partner, a child in need, or a work emergency that drains our energy and focus. Your best on a perfect day might be a 10 out of 10, but on more challenging days, your best might not look the same. And that's okay. What's important is to always strive to do your best, while also giving yourself the grace to adapt when life requires it.
- Too many times in business, leaders carry the weight of every decision on their shoulders. From designing the perfect offsite to adapting your strategy for the changing business needs. As leaders, it's easy to get trapped in the belief that we have to make every decision ourselves. But the truth is, we are not alone in business. We have partners, consumers, and most importantly, employees who can offer valuable insights and perspectives. I once had a leader who taught me to trust my team and give them the information they need to be informed decision-makers. When we collaborate and allow others to weigh in on options and solutions, we gain new insights and perspectives that we wouldn't have thought of on our own. Not only does this lead to better decision-making, but it also fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among team members. Her challenge to me was to let go of the belief that I have to do it all alone and start embracing the power of collaboration. After all, it takes a village - in business and in life.
Vulnerability Is Strength
- I hate when people refer to emotional intelligence or feelings as “soft”. The truth is, the hardest aspect of business is being able to share parts of yourself, empathize with others, and own up to your own mistakes. I remember working with a colleague who always asked how I was doing, and actually took the time to listen. She never shied away from that pregnant pause in conversation and would just wait for me to share more. At first, it was uncomfortable, but as we built a stronger connection and respect for each other's values and character, our teamwork and ability to problem-solve became a force to be reckoned with. Vulnerability is a powerful tool for leaders, and it takes courage to embrace it.
- In a recent ‘Ellevate Network’ survey of working professionals, 96% of respondents reported that they learn more from a leader who shows vulnerability and are more likely to stay at that company than with a leader who is not vulnerable. By showing your human side, you invite your team to do the same and extend grace when mistakes happen. Leaders who create a culture of openness and vulnerability empower their teams to innovate and take risks without fear of judgment. If vulnerability is our opportunity to connect with and inspire a workforce, the future of work must prioritize ways to build these connections in an evolving landscape.
You Don’t Have To Know The Answer
- When I first became a team leader, I felt I had to know the answer to any question that came my way. I believed it was more important to appear knowledgeable than to actually speak factually. (I started my career in sales, what can I say?) I was fortunate enough to have a leader show me the power in listening more than speaking. By simply watching how she carried herself in meetings, how she asked questions for understanding - not just to deliver a response, and how she never hesitated to say, “I don’t know right this moment but I’ll get back to you by tomorrow”, I learned it was okay to slow down, that I didn’t have to have all the answers and that people actually trusted you more by taking time to answer their questions thoughtfully.
- … But there is a “me” in it.? Taking care of oneself is a critical lesson that often gets overlooked in the midst of juggling work, family, and personal aspirations.? This is probably the hardest lesson to learn because it attacks 1) my ego and 2) tactics that have proven successful in the past.?
- Leaders beware, it's easy to develop a sense of self-importance tied to titles and paychecks, leading to a false belief that the company or team couldn't function without your constant presence. But ego can be detrimental to success.
- Likewise, one of the hardest things to do is abandon tactics that have worked for you in the past. But sometimes a skill or trait that led to our success in the past can be the barrier to our success in the future. As someone who has always worked tirelessly, I now feel the impact of spending countless hours working, which reduces the amount of time for family, self development, restoration, and enjoyment.?
- Women in my life have taught me that at the center of any balance scale is "me," and by taking time for oneself, it becomes possible to show up as a better leader, spouse, and parent. Women have long been adept at balancing multiple priorities. We may write it off as multi-tasking or being multi-talented, but really it is shifting their focus to ensure the success of all areas. By learning from the women around us and allowing them to remind us of the importance of taking time off and caring for ourselves, we can become better versions of ourselves in all aspects of our lives.
Whenever I hear someone mention they’ve never had a female boss or CEO, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to have learned from some of the best throughout my career. But not just at work, from my mother, my wife, my sisters, and my daughter, I’m constantly learning and refining my skills from the lessons they teach. This is not a critique on men. Actually, there is no mention of men because I believe women’s accomplishments, acumen, leadership lessons, and greatness can stand alone and shouldn’t be compared. So, the next time you're looking for inspiration, look to the women around you. They may just have the wisdom you need to take your leadership skills to the next level. Thanks for hanging out with me and Happy Women’s History Month!
