During last week’s HBA meeting here in Dallas we had the opportunity to listen to an amazing panel of female leaders who shared some insights they’ve learned along the way.
There were a few key takeaways we wanted to pass along:
- Be authentic! It is important to always show up as yourself and don’t be afraid to set boundaries.
- Always be on the lookout for opportunities to lift others up and “pay it forward”.
- You will have different phases of your career. Some will be more tactical and quantitative, focused on learning and sharpening your skills. As you move forward in your career and into leadership roles you can focus more on supporting others and focusing on your legacy and impact. This stage will be more qualitative and impact-related.
- A couple of skills that never go out of style are being able to listen carefully and intentionally and not being afraid to ask questions. You don’t have to know everything, and you don’t always have to have all the answers.
- Find your support group of mentors and sponsors (those who advocate for you when you’re not in the room, who will mention your name for opportunities and be an advocate). Be that person for others as well.
- Mentorship should also be a 2-way learning/sharing opportunity. Don’t be afraid to move on from a professional relationship if you’re not serving each other anymore.
- It’s critical to be resilient. You are bound to experience failure or setbacks at some point, that’s expected. HOW you respond to the hurdle is what is most important. Remind yourself of your “why”. Especially as a leader, you must remain resilient, not only for yourself but for your team.
In addition to these nuggets of advice, the following book recommendations were also shared:
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
- Radical Candor by Kim Scott
- Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
- The Career Architect Development Planner by Michael Lombardo, and Robert Eichinger
- 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Pat Lencioni
As always, thank you to the HBA for hosting such a great event. If you haven’t already, please look for your local chapter and check out an event!
Wishing you the best,
-Crecia