No permission, no problem

"Jennifer, in your opinion, what is important to know about being a leader?"

As the panel's moderator asked me this question, about 100 thoughts simultaneously ran through my head. Where to start? I started thinking about values I admire in leaders like honesty, emotional intelligence, and confidence. Leaders exhibit grace under pressure. They are passionate about their work and fight for their people. Then I thought about leaders who have turned me off because they are arrogant, act like a dictator, or play favorites. It's important to know what strong leaders are like, right?

But I paused for what felt like an eternity. All the above isn't particularly enlightening. Then it hit me. I wanted to share something different about leadership. I confessed that for many years in my life, I thought I'd be a leader "when." As in, "when" I passed the bar, "when" I got a promotion, or "when" I land a "big stage" speaking engagement. I shared that I was wrong.

I explained that leaders do not wait for someone or something to tell them they are a leader. Leaders do. Leaders are. Leaders don't need, wait for, or seek permission to lead. Each and every one of us leads by example through our daily actions -- regardless of whether we do so with intention. We lead by living in accordance with our core values and allowing our moral compass to navigate our decision-making. We lead when we honor our true selves -- warts and all. We may lead ourselves or we may lead hundreds. In the end, it truly doesn't matter.

After I responded, I was relieved that the moderator and my co-panelists chimed in with enthusiastic agreement. I didn't miss the mark! In fact, some of them confessed they used to think this way, too. I allowed myself to be vulnerable and found myself in good company. Hopefully the audience found this helpful, too.

I share this for two reasons. First, I realize that I looked outward for validation as a leader due to a lack of confidence and a touch of imposter syndrome. If you want to hear my thoughts on quieting the imposter voice, scroll down to find out how to make that happen while empowering women.

Second, perhaps this issue resonates with you too. So, I'll pitch the question back: what's important to know about being a leader? I'd love to hear your thoughts, so hit reply and let me know!

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