What does it mean to be a leader?

As I reflect on my own development as a leader, I’m very conscious that I didn’t grow up with the idea that leadership was something I could do. My goal was to get an education, make a good living, and work while being kind and fair to others. Leadership was something that other people did.

But as I’ve thought about my leadership journey, I can see how important it’s been to do the work of IMAGINING myself a leader so that I might take actions that exemplify, demonstrate and fulfill my values and my vision.

Let me tell you, this journey’s not done! And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my work leading and coaching others, it is that I’m not alone.  

I coach women who may be new to leadership roles, or who are expanding their imaginations so that they can see themselves stepping into these roles, so I decided to start a series of interviews with women leaders whom I admire.

I know that I find it helpful to hear the various perspectives and insights from these dynamic women and I want to share those conversations with you. I’ll be asking questions such as:

• What do they know now that they wish they had known when they took on leadership roles?
• What does it mean to ask for help?
• How are they managing in times of great change?
• How do they bring racial justice into their leadership?

My first interview, is with Nikole Collins Puri, CEO of Techbridge Girls. When I asked her what’s important about leading change, she said:

“You have to realize there is a pattern in the evolution of change. Folks go through a cycle where first there’s resistance, then acceptance to change, and finally there’s adoption of the change. And each of these phases can take time.

I didn’t realize the impact of not acknowledging and working through each phase of the cycle, especially the resistance phase. I think we take for granted that our team will eventually ‘catch up.’ 

She had a lot more to say, and I’m still thinking about our conversation. You can read the full interview here: How to Lead When There is Resistance to Change.

You can read all of the interviews here.

How do you define leadership for yourself? Drop me a line, I’d love to hear your thoughts.