5 WAYS YOU CAN START LEADING YOUR WAY, NOW.
As I shared in this article, the number one thing you need to do to be a great leader and advance your career is to show your true self.
Now, as great as this is for us ladies, my guess is that some of you are sitting at home thinking, ‘Yes Jane, but that’s easier said than done. How do I show more of my true self?’
Today I want to share 5 practical ways you can step more fully into your true self, so you can lead in a way that works for you (and therefore feels easy, elegant and enjoyable!)
Before I jump in though, I want to acknowledge the fact that stepping into your own leadership style, and leading your way, can sometimes feel uncomfortable and (let’s be honest) scary.
It takes courage to step outside the traditional leadership mold – even if it is outdated – and be ourselves.
It takes bravery to show up, instead of flying under the radar, and allow our colleagues and staff to get to know the real us.
It takes guts to lead OUR way, and let go of the pressure we feel to be someone we’re not (like being assertive when that’s just not in our DNA!)
The simple fact that you’re here with me right now, reading these words, shows me just how great a leader you truly are. That you’re willing to embrace these challenges, so you can lead in a way that compliments who you truly are, rather than ticks the boxes of who you think you need to be, is cause for celebration.
Now, let’s get practical, shall we…
Here are 5 ways you can start leading your way – today!
1. Be you
I want you to repeat after me, ‘I am enough’.
‘I AM ENOUGH’.
You are valuable, and you are who you are truly meant to be, just as you are. The more you can bring your true character into your workplace, the more people will be able to get to know you, like you and trust you.
Do you have a quirky side? Let your team see it! Do your loved ones describe you as ‘real’ and ‘down to earth’? Let it shine through! The more YOU you can be, the better!
Consider: What makes you, you? How can you be more of your true self in your workplace?
2. Model wisely
Having role models is very important as a leader BUT you need to choose the right ones for you.
Don’t just model the leader you report to, or your CEO – model the leader you look up to and whose leadership style resonates with how you want to lead.
Consider: What leadership traits do you admire and respect?
3. Mix and match
Because everyone is different and no one role model will ever have all the traits we ourselves aspire to have, it helps to mix and match and have a number of people we can look up to.
Perhaps you admire how your Manager speaks up in meetings, or how your past employer would create space to think and reflect before she responded to a complex situation.
Consider: Which 6 leaders do you look up to? What traits of theirs do you admire?
5. Have the courage to lead
It’s your time to really believe in yourself, step forward and take up more space in your workplace. No more hiding and no more dulling your light. So many opportunities will reveal themselves to you when you have the courage to be seen and lead.
Consider: How can you allow yourself to be seen more in your workplace?
6. Own it
Own your greatness, claim your space (in your workplace and in this world) and give yourself full permission to lead YOUR way. You deserve to lead, just as much as the next person. Now is your time!
Consider: What are 5 of your greatest qualities as a human, and as a leader?
Ladies, no more being who you think you need to be in order to lead! It’s time to lead in a way that complements who you truly are.
P.S. Know that I’m over here cheering you on – and that constant cheering and encouragement is always available to you in our free Facebook Group. This group is specifically for mid career professional women. If that’s you – we’d love to have you join the conversation.
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