Motherhood is Leadership

As I am growing my brand as a leadership coach and publishing my first book, Raising Justice, about my experiences as a mother, I have been met with questions as to how either is connected. A colleague even suggested that maybe I should lead with another book that is more relevant to coaching because it would help to grow my brand faster. And they may be right, however, I struggle with seeing a book about motherhood completely disconnected from leadership. For me, being a "mom" was my first leadership position as an adult. In Raising Justice, I delve deep into the sacred bond between mothers and daughters (well, children in general), drawing on my personal experiences and biblical truths to offer practical advice on building healthier and more fulfilling relationships. One of the fascinating aspects explored in the book is the striking parallels between motherhood and leadership. And to be clear, parenthood is a form of leadership. The same things that have made me successful as a leader are the same things that have made me successful as a mom. Let's further explore the top 4 ways that Motherhood (or parenthood) and Leadership intersect:

1. Setting Goals

Parallels: Leaders at work and home understand the importance of clear, measurable goals. They recognize that setting specific objectives helps individuals and teams stay focused, driven, and motivated. A mother might set a goal for her child to read a certain number of books each month, complete household chores, or learn the importance of kindness and empathy. Similarly, leaders set goals to guide their teams towards success. In both roles, goal-setting is a powerful tool for guiding growth and achieving desired outcomes.

2. Follow Up and Accountability

Parents and leaders understand that consistent follow-up and accountability are essential for achieving goals and fostering growth. They provide the necessary support and feedback to help their children or team members stay focused and motivated, ensuring that everyone is working towards common objectives. Whether it’s ensuring homework is completed, reinforcing behavioral expectations, or regularly check in with their team members, you are on double duty as a leader when you are nurturing at work and at home.

3. Love and Grace

Parallels: Love and grace are the cornerstones of motherhood. Mothers offer unconditional love and support, nurturing their children through every challenge and triumph. In leadership, love and grace translate to empathy and compassion. Great leaders care about their team members, showing understanding and patience. Both mothers and leaders who lead with love and grace create environments where individuals feel valued and supported. This nurturing approach fosters resilience, encourages learning from mistakes, and strengthens the bonds between mothers and children or leaders and their teams. This is a recurring theme in my book, Raising Justice.

4. Recognizing and Rewarding Behavior

Parallels: Leaders at home and in the workplace understand the power of recognition and rewards. In leadership, recognizing and rewarding behavior is crucial for maintaining high morale and motivation. As parents, we know that acknowledging a child's efforts and achievements boosts their self-esteem and motivates them to continue striving for excellence. Celebrating achievements fosters a positive and motivating environment, whether at home or in the workplace. This practice not only boosts individual confidence but also inspires others to follow suit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, leadership anywhere requires a delicate balance of setting goals, providing follow-up and accountability, demonstrating love and grace, and recognizing and rewarding positive behavior. By embracing these parallels, we're able to identify the unique value that leaders who lead in the home and workplace create in nurturing and empowering environments that foster growth, resilience, and success.

As we celebrate the profound wisdom and insights shared in Raising Justice, we are reminded that the principles of effective motherhood and leadership are intertwined, guiding us to build stronger, more compassionate relationships and communities. Whether you are a parent seeking to strengthen your bond with your child or a leader striving to inspire your team, the lessons from this book will resonate deeply, offering valuable guidance for your journey.

That's truly what it means to "Raise Justice". Feel free to share other parallels between parenthood and leadership below.

If you're looking for a leadership coach, thought partner or facilitator to help grow the skills of your team, let's connect! Send me a message at [email protected]

If you'd like to purchase a signed copy of my new book, Raising Justice, please visit my website at dorisjacksonshazier.com . It's official release date is June 27th. (My 20 year anniversary of being a mom)

Looking for other ways to support. Join me on the June 15th, for my last book launch event. It is a virtual. More details to come. Like, subscribe and share this newsletter with others. Share my profile with your L&D director or manager that's looking for a passionate, authentic facilitator that specializes in creating high accountability, high morale spaces.

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