We began the year with New Year, New Path: Paving Your Way to Lasting Change which was basically a nod to the habitual pattern of feeling inspired to make significant changes in our lives, to reinvent on the precipice of the New Year only to have those resolutions fade into distant memories as the year progresses. But, what if there was a way to make them stick? There is. We started down this path last month with seven small efforts you could undertake that would make a big difference. Our discussion last month was inclusive of personal and professional. This month and subsequent months, our focus will be on your professional life. We’ll look from the perspective of leadership in general and more specifically, there will be times when we focus on women leaders/emerging leaders.
This month, we going to focus on women leaders/emerging leaders and take a look at what’s going on in your head, your mindset, and the incredible impact your thinking has on your success. The human mind is an extraordinary instrument, capable of shaping our reality and determining our success. As leaders, especially women leaders/emerging leaders, harnessing the power of our minds is not just beneficial—it's essential. The way we think, the stories we tell, the habits we form, and the energy we project all play crucial roles in our leadership journey. In this exploration of mindset mastery, we'll delve into four key areas that can transform your leadership: the power of story, the power of habit, the law of attraction, and the growth mindset. We won’t attempt to cover these topics in one posting. We’ll begin this week with The Power of Story.
Stories have been at the heart of human communication since time immemorial, and their power in leadership cannot be overstated. As a leader, the stories you tell—about yourself, your team, and your organization—shape perceptions, inspire action, and create a shared sense of purpose. But, I think it’s important to take a step back and examine where these stories come from and if they are “friend or foe.”
Our personal narratives don't emerge in a vacuum. They are shaped by a complex interplay of factors:
1. Childhood experiences and family dynamics
2. Cultural and societal expectations
3. Educational experiences
4. Professional environments
5. Media representations
For women leaders, these stories are often influenced by persistent gender stereotypes and biases that permeate various aspects of society. Many of the limiting stories we tell ourselves are not actually our own. They're inherited narratives, passed down through generations or imposed by societal expectations. Let’s unpack some of these.
The Discounting/You Can’t Do This Story: "Women aren't natural leaders."
The Who Do You Think You Are Story: "You can't have a successful career and a fulfilling family life."
The Labeling Story: "Assertive women are seen as bossy or aggressive."
And the band plays on and on and on….But, you are not powerless. Recognizing these stories as external constructs rather than personal truths is the first step in breaking free from their limiting influence.
How do you gain even more power. Take the pen in your own hand. The good news is that, as the author of your own story, you have the power to rewrite it. Here are six simple techniques you can employ to reshape your narrative:
1. **Set the baseline by identifying your current story**: Take time to reflect on the narratives you tell yourself about your leadership abilities and other essential aspects of your professional life. Write them down and examine their origins.
2. **Just because someone said it, that doesn’t make it true. Challenge limiting beliefs**: For each negative story, ask yourself: "Is this really true? What evidence do I have to support or refute this belief?"
3. **Go high. Seek out positive role models**: Look for examples of women leaders who have overcome similar challenges. Their stories can provide inspiration and alternative narratives.
4. **Be bold. Create a new narrative**: Consciously craft a new story that aligns with your goals and values. For example, replace "I'm not qualified enough" with "I bring unique perspectives and skills to this role."
5. **Pay attention to your self-talk. Use affirmations**: Regularly reinforce your new narrative with positive affirmations. For instance, "I am a capable and confident leader who inspires others."
6. **Share your story**: By openly discussing your journey and challenges, you not only reinforce your new narrative but also inspire other women leaders.
It’s time to write a new script. I may seem scary and bit unbelievable at first, but don’t give up. It’s not only about you. When women leaders rewrite their stories, the impact extends far beyond their personal growth. By embodying confident, empowering narratives, they:
1. Serve as role models for other women and girls
2. Challenge and change societal perceptions of women in leadership
3. Create more inclusive and diverse work environments
4. Drive innovation by bringing new perspectives to leadership
As you work to rewrite your leadership narrative, remember that the goal isn't to conform to someone else's idea of what a leader should be. Instead, focus on crafting a story that authentically represents your unique strengths, experiences, and vision.
Your story as a woman leader is powerful. It has the potential to inspire, to challenge the status quo, and to pave the way for future generations of leaders. By recognizing the origins of your current narrative, challenging limiting beliefs, and consciously crafting an empowering story, you're not just transforming your own leadership journey – you're contributing to a broader shift in how women in leadership are perceived and valued.
Remember, every time you choose to tell yourself an empowering story, you're not just changing your own trajectory – you're helping to rewrite the collective narrative of women in leadership. Your story matters, not just for you, but for all the women leaders who will follow in your footsteps.
In our next iteration, we’ll cover The Power of Habit.