Up Level Your Game with the Power of Community
Claire Lidome, Leadership Mindset Strategist
Transformational Leadership Strategist | Redefining Success for Leaders | Elevating Performance, Well-Being & Impact | Lead with Purpose? Framework
Why it Matters
?"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much." - Helen Keller
In recent decades, women have risen to prominence, redefining success, but the journey to the top is not without its challenges.
Historically, the most common challenges are gender bias; the glass ceiling effect; lack of representation; limited access to networks; lack of flexibility to find work-life balance, and a sense of isolation, to name a few.
One of my first experiences with this occurred during the college admissions interview process.?I was welcomed by a panel of three people who asked why I wanted to get an education, if I was going to eventually have children. I was just 18 years old.??
During my tenure as a Regional Director, I faced instances where vendors mistook me for my boss's secretary rather than recognizing my role as the one overseeing the region. I've even been referred to as a "cheerleader" merely for appearing professional in a business suit while visiting a client. Naturally, these instances serve as relatively minor examples among the array of situations women experience throughout their professional lives.
However, these individual experiences collectively shed light on a larger pattern: one of micro aggressions women face (and unfortunately, sometimes worse) on a daily basis. In addition, there is added pressure on them to perform at the same level as their male counterparts. And if that wasn't enough, as they climb the ladder, they often end up feeling isolated. The higher they go, the lonelier the journey seems. Despite their achievements, the scarcity of female role models and mentors at the top intensifies the isolation they experience.
What if Women didn’t have to do it alone??
What if we could build flexible, nurturing, intellectually challenging and supportive communities outside of the environments that don’t allow us to thrive?
7 reasons for joining a community
1. Expand Your Mind
Imagine a place where diverse minds converge, each with a unique perspective and experience to offer. That's the essence of a community. Engaging with individuals from across globe from various industries. Through the exchange of ideas, you'll witness your own perspectives blossom. It's a treasure chest of intellectual stimulation that stimulates creativity and innovation.
2. Unwavering Support
Enough of feeling isolated where you spend 80% of your time. You love your job, you are good at it, and you want your bandwidth to be spent on being innovative. Surround yourself with a community united by a common purpose, who genuinely cares about your progress. Their unwavering support can be a driving force during both triumphs and challenges. When the going gets tough, your community has your back, fueling your motivation and resilience.
3. Continuous Learning
Learning doesn't cease after formal education. Joining a community ensures a continuous learning journey. Every interaction exposes you to fresh insights, experiences, and skills that contribute to your personal and professional growth. Sharing best practices, resources, ideas, keeping you adaptable and ahead of the curve.
?"Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back." - Unknown
4. Mutual Empowerment
The empowerment of one fuels the empowerment of many. When executive women leaders come together, a powerful atmosphere of mutual encouragement and support is cultivated. Being part of a community that celebrates your achievements and provides a safe space to share vulnerabilities can boost your confidence, enabling you to take calculated risks and embrace new opportunities.
5. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone Safely
Growth often lies just beyond your comfort zone. Community interactions encourage you to spread your wings and soar. As you engage with diverse minds, you'll find the courage to conquer fears and tap into hidden talents. The community serves as a safety net, providing the confidence to take bold steps and embrace new challenges.
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6. Forge Lifelong Bonds
The connections you forge within a community are unlike any other. These relationships transcend professional interactions—they're friendships, mentorships, and partnerships that withstand the test of time. These bonds become integral to your personal growth journey, offering guidance, insights, and unwavering companionship.
7. Global Impact
The boundaries of community extend far beyond geography. Interacting with people from around the world grants you a panoramic perspective, enriching your understanding and allowing you to make a positive impact on a global scale. Collectively, you can advocate for diversity, gender equality, and inclusive leadership practices. This communal voice can create a ripple effect that influences corporate cultures and societal norms, leading to a more equitable future.
The most effective way to do it is to do it together." - Amelia Earhart
Uniting with other high-achieving women in leadership roles strengthens the collective effort to shatter the remaining barriers for women in business.
By sharing stories of success and resilience, you contribute to a narrative of progress that inspires the next generation of leaders and encourages broader societal change.
In Conclusion:
So, why should you join a community? Because within its folds lies a realm of untapped potential, awaiting your exploration. Whether you're seeking intellectual stimulation, unwavering support, continuous growth, empowerment, stepping out of your comfort zone, forging lifelong bonds, or making a global impact—the right community can be the driving force to exponential growth on your way to conscious leadership.
We invite you to:
Sources
1-?????McKinsey & Company
2-?????World Economic Forum
3-?????Harvard Business Review
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