(In honor of Women’s History month!)
As women in leadership, whether as an entrepreneur moving your passions forward or a small business leader inspiring your team to fulfill your vision, we each have unique and challenging roles. Our experience is filled with successes, defining moments and, occasionally, less than desirable outcomes. We carry a lot on our shoulders, not only with our day-to-day responsibilities but also because we have a unique opportunity to help others find their voice and the courage to step into their personal greatness.
This is not an easy task. Through the very nature of our roles as leaders, we can easily become so focused on getting to the final result that we neglect opportunities to mentor and inspire others to achieve their personal greatness. We then miss opportunities to allow their talents and strengths to benefit us and lighten our own load. We miss the benefits that come from collaboration, including increased support and resources to carry out larger responsibilities. We end up feeling like we are “pulling or pushing others” because they don’t understand the greater vision and their own part in it. This may leave us feeling drained and isolated which lessens motivation and confidence.
When you are in a position of power, you must use the strengths you have been given to inspire others to see their greatness. In fact, I believe it is your responsibility to help those you lead to discover their untapped gifts and talents so that they can overcome obstacles and support the bigger picture. I refer to this concept as honoring the Power of Influence in your leadership.
When I say Power of Influence, I mean the ability to recognize the power within you that can be used to uplift and help others. It can be very fulfilling to understand who you are as well as your talents and abilities However, I feel that in many cases, women can’t see the leadership potential they have, it is forgotten or they shrink from the responsibility when they could use it to accomplish so much good.
Some women can recognize their influence and use it to assist others. This is someone people flock to because she empowers and uplifts those around her and refuses to let challenges stop her progression. Other women may identify the potential they have to lead and help others but are either unsure how to use it or have chosen not to. She may just need a little guidance. I would guess many of us fall into this category and that’s okay. The third category of women is more of a concern. This group would be the type who doesn’t know who they are, perhaps finding themselves in a role by default and cannot see the Power of Influence within themselves.
Which woman are you? Each of these presents a challenge and can say a lot about your understanding of the Power of Influence you have in your own and others’ lives.
It could be any number of factors that keeps a woman from recognizing her influence including an inability to set proper boundaries, limiting beliefs, focusing her energy in the wrong areas or not knowing how to tap into the power she has. If you find yourself here, don’t despair! You can overcome your challenges and become the woman who confidently leads and inspires others.
Here are a few steps to help you:
1. Make sure your vision of success is clearly defined so you can improve upon it, communicate clearly to others and let them be part of it.
2. Recognize your own limiting belief that no one can do it as good as you and take an intelligent risk to change your thinking or behavior and delegate more often to help others grow.
3. Be realistic of what you have control over and recognize fears that hold you back from allowing others to support you.
4. Role model self-disclosure and opportunities for personal growth so those you lead have permission, through your example, to also do so.
5. Celebrate both your own and others’ successes often. What gets rewarded gets done! This is a great way to inspire and create new habits and behaviors.
When you increase your ability to notice others’ greatness and help draw it out so they too can rise to the next level of success, you’ll be truly honoring the Power of Influence you possess.
To the power in you!
Rene’ Johnson
You might also enjoy these articles and resources:
Beware of giving away your power!
Why do talented women unnecessarily struggle?
Want to find out what keeps you from your power of influence? Check out Plug Your Power Leaks – FREE Video Coaching Series! - OR - Schedule a Power Zone Checkup today!
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