Women's History Month: Timeless Advice

As we bring Women’s History Month to a close, I can’t help but reflect on my history as a woman in senior leadership, as a woman working across industries, and as a woman in general. I think back to a younger version of myself, who couldn’t have imagined this life in her wildest dreams.

What advice would I have for that young woman? Here’s what I’d share with her and so many others who are just beginning their leadership journey:

?Don’t be afraid to take the BIG risks.

There have been moments throughout my career where I’ve worked in environments that were fraught with conflict and change. I vividly remember being advised, in such situations, to keep my head down and do the work. We’re often told to lay low or fly under the radar, but that rarely garners the growth you’re looking for. I’ve never been afraid to take risks; to put myself out there. I’ve learned throughout my career, that risk taking, speaking up, pushing forward with a plan for accomplishing the task at hand is the best option. Standing still, heads down doesn’t help you, your career, your team or the Company who entrusts you to make a difference every day.?When you plan, execute well, and most importantly have a great team with you on your journey ?– you can accomplish almost anything. When you’re betting on yourself, even the greatest risk feels like a sure thing!

?Connections matter, but they’re only part of the story.

In my career, I was blessed by exceptional coaches, mentors, and sponsors who pushed and challenged me to take on roles and responsibilities they believed I could do, long before I believed in myself. Having those folks in my corner helped build the resiliency and confidence that is crucial to my success today. While it’s important to have others advocating on your behalf, you also need to remember, no one knows you and your team’s accomplishments more than you!?Don’t hold back from tooting your team’s and your own horn! I spent too much time, assuming the numbers would speak for themselves. If you’re not telling your story, someone else will create the narrative for you!

?Ask the extra questions.

One of the practices that have made me most successful is asking the extra question. So many leaders follow the path of least resistance. They’re told to march in a straight line to solve a problem, so that’s what they do, never stopping to consider alternative solutions. While that straight line might get them there, it’s not always the best route to go. How does that seemingly, logical solution ladder up to the company’s overall mission and vision? Don’t be afraid to ask the extra questions and consider how an alternative, perhaps less straightforward, solution, might lead to a greater outcome.

?Lead with heart. Let go. And let others take the LEAP!

Remember to lead with your heart. It doesn’t mean you won’t make the tough decisions. It means you’ll stop to consider the impact of your decisions with a level of caring that’s rare in leadership. Approach leadership with a sensitivity and understanding that the words you choose matter. Don’t be afraid to let go, and let others take a chance. Few leaders are willing to give people the room to try or even to fail. The learning is in the lesson, but you can’t find it if you don’t LEAP!

?Everything comes full circle…even leadership.

One of the biggest challenges to being a woman in leadership is having to un-learn everything we’ve been taught about what it means to be “lady-like”. If you come from a family like mine, you’ve been taught to be prim and proper, to always use your manners, and to ensure the comfort of everyone else in the room. There’s no place for that in the boardroom. ?Remember you did not crash the party!?You name was on the invite for the meeting. So, join in the meeting! Take up space in the room and speak up – your words matter! You’ve got to manage up as much as you manage down. Help your boss be successful by ensuring they know what you’re doing and where you need help. Invest in outstanding peer and customer relationships because leadership, like life, is full circle.

?Never stop breaking down barriers.

We’ve made tremendous progress in diversifying leadership, but there’s so much work still to be done. In certain roles and industries, the progress hasn’t been as profound. I remember not many years ago being in a room of 21 executives, and still being the only woman in the room. I practically had to raise my hand to get a word in. ?Make space for unique perspectives and diversity of thought.?We’re all better because of it! To the women who are breaking down barriers and to the male allies who support them, I say DON’T STOP!

?In closing, to that young girl, and all future leaders, I say this…

?Trust yourself.

?There is no mistake you make that you can’t come back from. No reward without risk. Don’t take yourself too seriously. And most importantly, let today’s fiascos be forgotten tomorrow. As you traverse uncharted territories and battle the challenges that are sure to come your way, trust yourself.

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