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Develop Your Own Leadership Style
As a beautifully unique human being you have many gifts and talents you bring to your leadership, which will be different from other leaders. While there are many consistent leadership skills you need to be effective, your leadership style is very personal.
You can develop your unique leadership style over time by practicing these things.
Get clear about your personal values. When you know what’s most important to you, you are better equipped to tackle a variety of leadership challenges and make difficult decisions. The people who work with and for you will also know what to expect from you.
Take the time for self-reflection. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Be honest about your motivations and what kind of leader you aspire to be. Consider seeking feedback from trusted mentors or colleagues to gain a better understanding of your leadership style.
Seek role models and mentorship. Identify successful women leaders who inspire you. Observe their leadership styles and learn from their experiences. Seek out female mentors who can guide you in developing your own unique approach to leadership.
Be authentic. While you might want to emulate other successful leaders, it’s also important to be true to yourself and embrace your unique qualities. Women often bring different perspectives, empathy, and collaboration to their leadership roles.
Be vulnerable. Nobody has all the answers and none of us is perfect. Not to mention life is hard and we’re all facing personal challenges. When we are vulnerable and admit that we are only human, we build trust with our teams.
Learn from mistakes. We all make mistakes, and those mistakes can make us better if we learn from them. Reflect on what went well and what went wrong and identify areas for improvement.
Build a diverse network. Surround yourself with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Being exposed to different viewpoints will broaden your own thinking and expand your leadership style.
Keep learning and growing. Stay updated with current trends, research, and best practices in leadership. Read books, attend conferences, join professional groups, work with a coach or participate in webinars related to leadership.
Remember, developing your own leadership style is an ongoing process. It requires time and the willingness to learn and adapt. Embrace the unique qualities you bring as a woman, and leverage them to create your own successful leadership style.
Register for the next cohort of the Women In Leadership Development Program starting in September 2023 at www.womeninleadership.ca.