I was sitting in the lobby discussing leadership with Lauren Taylor the CEO of a third generation family owned business in the Indianapolis area. We began by discussing the top leadership principles that guide her. (insert link to blog) While learning her leadership principles I recognized I was with a strong woman in leadership.
The industry she serves could be considered a male dominated industry. After learning that during our conversation I asked her what principles she has learned as a woman in leadership in a male dominated industry.
See Opportunity not Oppression
As a young millennial female small business leader she could see herself as a victim when asked to serve certain roles or she could see opportunity. Opportunities have arisen for Lauren to serve in board roles and instead of sitting quietly in the corner she looks for opportunities to speak up. She is not trying to push an agenda but be a voice for those she represents in the opportunity she has.
Find Your Gifts and Use Them
Regardless of gender we all have unique gifts and abilities. I continually remind youth of this principle when I provide my youth leadership training. Lauren highlighted the natural gifts many women have like improved observation skills (they know to move the milk in the fridge to find the thing hiding in the back unlike us men), in tune with the “vibe” of a room, and often can multi-task well. Use these natural abilities to serve your team and lead them in a way others may not be as capable.
Know Your “Shtick”
Just as everyone has their own unique gifts and abilities, they also have their own unique story. In any organization the high performers have a “why”. Maybe it was the experience with the product or service. Maybe the value they see in the product or service. Whatever your reason for why you do what you do, let it come through which will make you shine and perform to your fullest potential. During our conversation Lauren said:
“Don’t worry about how you will be received, just be you.”
She models this by using her kind, but direct approach in a way that adds value to others. She encourages other people, especially women, to be themselves and lead from that authentic self.
Ride the Wave
As you are being your true self and not worrying about what others think you may make waves. Lauren sees two potential results as you make waves: ride it to the top or crash down. This is a woman who seventeen years ago took over a business that was in bankruptcy and in a few years turned it around. She knows the wave and the risk of failure. Sometimes to make waves she suggests, you have to rock the boat otherwise you won’t move.
Leadership is about change and change creates “waves.” I would suggest we be intentional, other-centered, and strategic in our waves. As we wound down this conversation, I asked her what she would like to say to female leaders. She stated there are different types of hard, but the journey is always hard and enjoy it. More profoundly she said this:
“The path to something greater lies in the valley of surrender and sacrifice . . . it never gets easier.”
The path of achievement as leadership expert John Maxwell states is “an uphill climb.” This climb requires even more persistence and perseverance for some than others. Of these areas mentioned, which of them do you need to grow the most in? Did you find this valuable? Please share it with others you think would benefit and if you want to get these directly to your inbox sign up for a free ebook today. Lead well.
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