What I've learned working for a great lady leader

Over the course of my career I’ve been lucky enough to work with and for a number of remarkable women. One in particular left an indelible mark on my views on leadership, career development, and simply being a great human being. 

In one of my first roles as a manager, my chain of command was abruptly shaken when a new sheriff came to town in the form of a NY-based media executive rockstar. Initially I was intimidated and not quite sure how to find common ground with someone that on the surface seemed quite different than me. I wondered whether I would continue to advance under her leadership or perhaps she would bring in her own team in my place.

The first several weeks of her tenure were eerily quiet. Our new leader watched, listened, and asked a lot of questions. I expected strong opinions and instead I saw deep and insightful examination of how we did things and why.

I began to understand that her strength was not in coming into a new situation with all the right answers, but rather to seek out information, opinions, and data to inform her opinions. She developed strong relationships internally based on respect, and she was skilled in opening doors to new partnerships.

During this time I was focused on the career path directly in front of me. Our new leader saw something in me that I did not see myself, and plotted a *new* course for me and a new level of responsibility. During this process she displayed a leadership style that was new to me by demonstrating both her belief in me and by being transparent about the areas I might stumble in the new role. This honest, transparent approach paired with a her professionalism and competitive fire have become a big part of my professional ethos.

In the years following this experience I have often looked back and thought about what I learned during that period.

Be flexible in your stance but firm in your core beliefs.

Listen twice as much as you speak.

Find the best in your people and help them leverage that strength.

Don't avoid discussing your team's weaknesses, but help them understand how to manage through them

Be a decent human being. Work can be hard, but if you know your leader has your best interest in mind each day is more rewarding

Liz- thank you for the leadership and the lessons.